STRICTLY Come Dancing fans were naturally gutted to see fan fave Tony Adams withdraw from the series – but have come up with a conspiracy theory as to the “real” reason.
The beloved football pundit was partnered with Katya Jones in this year’s competition, but left the show on Sunday night in a bizarre “twist” to the format.
Tony and Katya left the show on Sunday after an injury during the jive
Tony was a fan favourite due to his improvement week-on-week
Tony was previously captain for the England squad
After falling into the bottom two against Tyler West and Dianne Buswell, Tess Daly announced he had sustained an injury during the live show and had to drop-out, meaning he never did the dance-off.
He later credited the show for helping him raise awareness for male mental health and sobriety, admitting he “didn’t want to be on this planet” before he got sober 26 years ago.
But because of the swift exit, fans were left stunned. And now they’re coming up with their own reasons… believing the cheeky 56-year-old wanted to get off the show in time for the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in Qatar on Sunday.
“Tony Adams out of Strictly just in time for a BBC punditry role for the World Cup. Quality Timing,” one fan wrote.
A second added: “What a great guy Tony is. Sorry to see him out, but at least it’s just in time to provide a commentary on the world Cup”
“Got to admire Tony Adams’ timing… to get a decent pundit role in the World Cup,” said a third suspicious star.
While another was happy for the best of both worlds, and said: “Have to say as much as Tony was pure entertainment, it’s the right time for him to go… however part of me thinks he just didn’t want to dance off against Tyler and wanted to enjoy the upcoming World Cup instead of being stuck in training.”
Following Sunday night’s show, Tony shared a loving statement explaining his exit from the BBC dance competition, just one week away from the esteemed Blackpool episode.
“There comes a point when you can no longer ignore medical advice, and very sadly my point came tonight,” he wrote.
“Sorry I couldn’t dance off against my friend @TylerWestt, but thank you thank you to ALL @bbcstrictly who made this into an unbelievable joyful, tough and exhilarating 8 weeks.
“I will miss you all. And, well I have no words for @Mrs_katjones.
“She is my absolute rock, queen, nemesis, HERO. I love her to bits. Keep dancing. Tomorrow I’ll be getting the leaf blower out and back to normality. With sequins.”
He’s since declared he’s “hanging up his dancing shoes”… though could be tempted to trade it for some thermals to take on I’m A Celebrity instead.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.
The star said he had to ‘stop ignoring medical advice’ after a hamstring injury
The Arsenal star is out in time for the World Cup
