Strictly Come Dancing 2011 *** may contain spoiler*******

[Perdita]

Strictly Come Dancing professional Artem Chigvintsev has been forced to take a break from the show after fracturing his spine.

The 29-year-old was diagnosed with a transverse process fracture of the lumbar spine after injuring himself while rehearsing with Holly Valance last Friday (November 4).

"Artem injured himself during rehearsals on Friday," the BBC confirmed. "Following medical attention he has been diagnosed with a transverse process fracture of the lumbar spine.

"We have been told that this sort of fracture is completely stable and he has been advised that there is no untoward effect from him continuing to dance. We will, of course, continue to review this following medical advice over the course of the week."

Valance is currently training with Brendan Cole, who left the competition along with his partner Lulu on Sunday (November 6), and could perform with the 35-year-old on this week's show.

"At the moment, Artem is not dancing - but he is attending rehearsals and choreographing the new routine," a BBC source said. "He wants to dance, but his health is our priority. We have a duty of care to him."

Another insider commented: "Heaven knows how Artem's going to dance on Saturday. This is a serious injury."

Chigvintsev's condition, caused by extreme rotation or sideways bending, had originally been misdiagnosed as a strained muscle.

The Russian pro won last year's series of Strictly Come Dancing with his now-girlfriend Kara Tointon.

It was previously reported that Tointon had grown jealous of Chigvintsev's passionate performances with Valance, though the women are apparently now on good terms and "text every day".

[Chloe O'brien]

Poor Artem he was struggiling on Saturday night, but at least Brendan will be back.

[Perdita]

Strictly Come Dancing pro Artem Chigvintsev has pulled out of this weekend's show, the BBC has confirmed.

Chigvintsev, who partners Australian star Holly Valance on the reality show, is suffering from a back injury.

Brendan Cole, who partnered Lulu but was voted out of Strictly on Sunday, will replace the Russian.

A BBC spokesperson said in a statement: "Artem was initially diagnosed with a transverse process fracture of the lumbar spine.

"However, the latest medical advice from a spinal specialist following further scans is that he is suffering with a combination of joint and soft tissue injury.

"While this medical advice is more encouraging he will still need to rest, so will not be dancing this Saturday. Brendan Cole will partner Holly in this Saturday's show."

'Kiss Kiss' singer Valance commented: "I'm obviously disappointed I won't be dancing with Artem this weekend, but his well-being is very important to me, and Brendan is an awesome guy and we're working hard to bring something new and exciting to this Saturday's show."

Meanwhile, Cole declared:"I'm extremely happy to be asked by Artem to stand in for him this week. It is never nice under the circumstances but I'll do my utmost to help him and Holly out and I'm really excited to have the opportunity to dance with Holly."

They will dance the Rumba to Will Young's 'Leave Right Now' on Strictly, which continues this Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.

[Katy]

aww poor Artem! hope hes better soon, he did look in pain on saturday.

Im surprised there arent more injuries the amount of training that the put in espeicallly the celebrities who arent used to such intense training.

[Dutchgirl]

Must say I like Brendans Rumba's.

[LostVoodoo]

It's just been announced on twitter that Jason, Chelsee and Nancy will be going on the tour this year

[layla]

Do hope Artem recovers soon. Brendan and Holly should do well together.

[Perdita]

Audley Harrison has become the sixth person to leave Strictly Come Dancing.

The heavyweight boxer was eliminated from the competition along with professional partner Natalie Lowe when viewer votes and judges' scores for their cha cha cha yesterday were combined.

The pair were joined in the bottom two by EastEnders icon Anita Dobson and her partner Robin Windsor.

Harrison had finished in the danger zone on three previous occasions, staying in the competition over Edwina Currie, Nancy Dell'Olio and Lulu.

Asked by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman for his Strictly highlights, Harrison replied: "There have been many. I've really enjoyed myself."

He then poked fun at a well-publicised loss in the boxing ring, quipping: "Imagine the first week I was 100/1 to go out, so hopefully all those people who lost money on me with the David Haye fight, hopefully they got their money back! It's been great, I had a great time… I really enjoyed it."

Lowe added: "I just want to thank all the people at home who voted, who kept us in. It's been a great journey. Thank you!"

The final eight Strictly Come Dancing contestants will perform live from Wembley Arena for next week's show, which airs at 6.55pm on Saturday (November 19) on BBC One.

[Tuareet]

It was the right decision for a change, Audley was clearly the worst among those that are left.

[Chloe O'brien]

I don't think poor Anita should have been in the bottom two but I think her and Alex maybe at risk this week with Russell Grant surviving.