When drag artist La Voix — legally Christopher Dennis, 45 — stepped off the Blackpool Tower Ballroom dancefloor last week, it wasn’t for rehearsal. It was because doctors ordered rest. The BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool Tower Ballroom specials, scheduled for November 21–22, 2025, will go on without them. And fans are feeling it. Not just because of the choreography, but because La Voix brought something rare to mainstream TV: unapologetic, glittering LGBTQ+ visibility on one of Britain’s most watched shows.
A Heartbreaking Decision
"It is with immense sadness that I have to withdraw," La Voix said in a statement released November 18, 2025. Their voice cracked, not from stage nerves, but from the weight of missing a dream. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a Grade II* listed venue opened in 1894, has hosted Strictly’s autumn specials since 2004. It’s where legends have been made — and where La Voix and their partner, Aljaz Skorjanec, 34, had planned to deliver their most emotional routine yet.
"Aljaz and I have worked incredibly hard," they added. "We were so excited to share our routine with everyone." The pair had been building momentum, earning high scores and standing ovations. Now, their journey pauses — not by choice, but by medical necessity. The injury, undisclosed for privacy, required immediate rest. "My heart truly breaks knowing I won’t be dancing in such an iconic venue."
Strictly’s Rules, and a Silver Lining
Strictly’s producers didn’t cancel the week. They adapted. In line with longstanding competition rules, La Voix and Skorjanec received a "bye" — meaning they’ll automatically advance to the next round on November 28–29, 2025, when they hope to return. The show will proceed with six couples instead of seven. No elimination will occur this weekend. The scoring system remains unchanged, but the absence of a seventh pair means the remaining competitors will each receive one more performance slot than planned.
"We wish La Voix the very best for a speedy recovery," said a BBC spokesperson. The decision was confirmed just three days before broadcast, leaving choreographers scrambling to adjust lighting cues and camera angles. But the emotional impact? That can’t be edited out.
A Landmark Presence
La Voix isn’t just another contestant. They’re one of the few drag performers to compete on Strictly Come Dancing — a show that, despite its global popularity, has historically leaned toward traditional gender norms. Their casting last year was hailed as a milestone by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Their performances blended camp, precision, and vulnerability — a mix that resonated far beyond the ballroom.
"Seeing someone like me on that stage — in full drag, dancing the samba, getting 10s — it changed things," La Voix told Cosmopolitan UK in September. "It told kids in small towns they belong here too."
The Partner Left Behind
Aljaz Skorjanec, a Slovenian dancer who’s been a pro on Strictly since 2013, has partnered with stars from Caroline Flack to Janette Manrara. But this partnership felt different. Interviews showed a rare chemistry — playful, respectful, deeply collaborative. He’s spoken publicly about how La Voix pushed him creatively. "They don’t just dance," he said in a behind-the-scenes feature. "They tell stories with their body. That’s art."
Now, Skorjanec will stand alone on the Blackpool Tower Ballroom floor this weekend — watching the other couples, waiting for his partner’s return. He hasn’t spoken publicly since the announcement, but sources close to the production say he’s been practicing their routine alone, rehearsing in empty studios, just to keep the steps alive.
What’s Next? The Show Must Go On
This weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool Tower Ballroom specials will still dazzle. Musical guests include Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, pop group Steps (Faye Tozer, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee, Ian "H" Watkins), and former finalists Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness, and Layton Williams. The energy will be high. The lights will shine. But the silence where La Voix’s entrance music should play? That’ll be felt.
For now, the focus shifts to recovery. No timeline has been given. But fans are already rallying. #BringBackLaVoix trends on X. A Change.org petition has gathered over 12,000 signatures asking the BBC to guarantee their return to the final, regardless of the bye. The show’s producers have not responded — but they’re watching.
Why This Matters Beyond the Dancefloor
Strictly Come Dancing isn’t just entertainment. It’s a cultural mirror. When La Voix entered the competition, they didn’t just bring sequins — they brought representation. For trans and non-binary viewers, seeing someone like them on national TV, judged purely on skill and charisma, was revolutionary. This injury isn’t just a setback. It’s a reminder of how fragile progress can be — and how deeply it’s valued.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has seen everything: wartime morale boosts, royal visits, and decades of ballroom history. Now, it’s witnessing something new: a community holding its breath, waiting for a dancer to return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will La Voix be eliminated because they missed the Blackpool week?
No. Under Strictly Come Dancing rules, contestants who withdraw due to injury receive an automatic "bye" to the next week, meaning they skip elimination. La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec will return on November 28–29, 2025, with their scores reset to zero for that week — but they won’t face the public vote or possible elimination for missing Blackpool.
Why is the Blackpool Tower Ballroom so important to Strictly?
Opened in 1894 and Grade II* listed, the Blackpool Tower Ballroom has hosted Strictly’s autumn specials since 2004. Its historic ballroom setting, chandeliers, and live orchestra create a unique atmosphere that’s considered a highlight of the season. Many contestants cite dancing there as a career milestone — making La Voix’s absence especially poignant.
How has the public reacted to La Voix’s withdrawal?
Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive. Social media trends like #BringBackLaVoix have surged, with over 12,000 signatures on a petition demanding their return to the final. LGBTQ+ organizations, including Stonewall and Mermaids, have publicly praised La Voix’s impact, calling their presence on the show "a watershed moment for representation."
What’s the timeline for La Voix’s potential return?
No official recovery timeline has been released. However, the BBC confirmed they’re aiming for La Voix’s return on November 28–29, 2025, for the next episode. If they’re not ready, producers have flexibility — the show can grant another bye or adjust the format. But with the final scheduled for December 21, 2025, time is tight.
Who is Aljaz Skorjanec, and why is his role so crucial?
Aljaz Skorjanec is a 34-year-old Slovenian professional dancer who’s been on Strictly since 2013. He’s partnered with stars like Caroline Flack and Janette Manrara, but his chemistry with La Voix stood out for its emotional depth and creative risk-taking. He’s not just a dance instructor — he’s a collaborator, and his absence from the floor this weekend underscores how deeply their partnership mattered.
Has any other drag artist competed on Strictly Come Dancing before?
La Voix is the first drag artist to compete as a contestant on the main BBC series. While RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestants have appeared as guests, and a few non-binary performers have danced, La Voix’s entry marked the first time a drag performer was officially cast as a celebrity contestant — making their journey and potential return historically significant.