Some late breaking speculation online, backed up by an article from the Lancashire Evening Post, suggests that Robbie White has had to drop out of Saturday’s final after sustaining an injury in training.
Yesterday, choreographer Simeon Qsyea tweeted that a training session had ended in a fatal (sic) fall, while adding that the [unnamed] dancer was ‘safe at home’. He followed up by noting, “Rehearsals ended up with the Hospital!! its all gone a bit crazy right now”.
Given the time of evening (I’ve been out reviewing Jerusalem at its West End opening) I’ve been unable to confirm anything beyond what the LEP has stated. And, to compound things, I’m going to be unavailable for most, if not all, of tomorrow (Thursday) for personal reasons. However, The Stage will endeavour to get you the most reliable information to you just as soon as we get it.
In the meantime, the relevant clause in the BBC’s statement of terms and conditions for So You Think You Can Dance states:
Contingencies cover withdrawal of any dancer or judge for health reasons or other unforeseen circumstances or outside the control of the BBC. The remedial actions may include, but not be limited to changing the format of the show, including, removing, substituting or adding dancers and or judges; and cancelling, suspending or altering voting at any time. In the event of any contestant leaving the competition, the BBC will decide on contingency plans as it deems necessary and appropriate to the circumstances.
If the LEP’s report is true, the situation must be heart-breaking for Robbie, who danced his heart out last Saturday to earn his place in the final. I only hope that his injury will heal quickly and that he’ll be back dancing as quickly as possible.
For the remaining finalists, it certainly throws a spanner into any predictions. Who knows how voters loyal to Robbie may decide to change their vote — plus, with an out of the blue reprieve for Alastair, will that be enough to give him the impetus he needs to be a contender once more?
Whatever happens, what was already promising to be a highly watchable final has now become unmissable. It’s a shame, though, that it’s come at the expense of a competitor’s health.
What a shame! Robbie was an exciting dancer who put everything into each performance. The final just won't be the same without him. Hopefully the show will be a springboard to bigger & better things for him!
Its been confirmed on facebook, Robbie dislocated his shoulder and Alistair will come back in.
Change of plan yet again! It was too much for Alastair to learn in the time available, so Drew, Alastair & Mark will replace Robbie in the duets, but not as full contestants. Only Charlie, Tommy & Lizzie will be eligible to win. It looks like the show is now Tommy's for the taking!