Tess Daly has described the moment that actress Natalie Gumede collapsed while rehearsing her routine for Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday.
The former Coronation Street star is considered a favourite to win the ballroom competition, but had to miss last weekend’s episode after fainting in the dress rehearsal.
Host Daly has told Yahoo! that she was just a few feet away when it happened.
Natalie Gumede was taken ill (BBC)
“It was actually really shocking to witness,” she wrote. “She was dancing full pelt during an incredibly energetic jive at the time.
“She literally collapsed in a heap, legs twisted the wrong way under her with her head thrown right back and her eyes rolling. Luckily her professional partner Artem was on hand quick as a flash to catch her and break her fall.”
She went on:
“She was immediately attended by on-set medics. Let’s just hope that she’s back to full health and on her dancing feet very soon.”
Writing on Twitter afterwards, Gumede said:
“Was devastated not to dance yesterday but so thankful to be given the chance…to dance again. I think we’re looking at exhaustion and sleep is doing the world of good but getting a final check up 2moro.”
She continued:
“The cast, and you guys have been so wonderful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you also to @artemchigvintse who was…a tower of strength and so understanding.”
