Strictly Come Dancing favourite Debbie McGee injures back days before Blackpool spectacular

The former magician's assistant has been resting up with a hot water bottle 
Injured: Debbie McGee with Giovanni Pernice
BBC
Emma Powell15 November 2017

Debbie McGee has sparked concern after suffering an injury days before the Strictly Come Dancing stars head to Blackpool.

The veteran entertainer has twisted a muscle in her back while training for the annual Tower Ballroom special.

McGee, who is partnered with Giovanni Pernice, has been struggling to practice through the pain while learning the Samba.

“She’s twisted a muscle so she’s struggling,” a source told the Daily Mirror.

Struggling: Debbie McGee has been soothing the pain with a hot water bottle
BBC/Guy Levy

“It’s a real shame. She has been suffering – she had a hot water bottle on her back all week. It’s really been playing up.”

McGee is a favourite among the judges and was the first contestant this series to receive a perfect 40.

The former magician’s assistant wowed the quartet with her Tango to I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas, which saw Craig Revel-Horwood stand up from his chair and bow at McGee’s feet.

“Luba and Giovanni are together. But she doesn’t like Debbie because of their bond — she feels how much Gio cares for her,” a source told The Sun.

“It’s also upsetting as she would like their romance to be out in the open. Luba is very keen to be on the show one day.”

McGee, who was married to Paul Daniels for three decades, recently shut down the romance rumours, insisting the pair are “just good friends”.

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 - In pictures

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Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One, Saturday at 6:45pm.

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