04 December 2023 , 15:22
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Nigel Harman ‘took his disappointment out on his wife’ as he fumed over receiving low scores during Blackpool Week a Strictly Come Dancing fan has sensationally claimed - amid other reports that crew working on the BBC show are ‘relieved’ he has been forced to quit.
The 50-year-old soap icon had been a fan favourite among viewers of the BBC’s long-running dance competition - but over the weekend, he was forced to quit the show after breaking a rib during rehearsals. His exit may have been disappointing for Strictly fans, but there are allegations it came as a relief to those working on the show as rumours fly that Nigel suffered from ‘mood swings’ behind-the-scenes of the show.
Now a Strictly Come Dancing audience member has stepped forward to claim Nigel vented his anger at being scored unfavourably during the Blackpool Week of Strictly two weeks ago. The former EastEnders star and his dance partner Katya Jones, 34, thrilled the audience with their Quickstep which they performed to the sound of Duke Ellington's song It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing).
But Nigel was visibly annoyed on the show when judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton du Beke rewarded him with scores of eight each - while Craig Revel Horwood scored lower by giving the couple a seven. It is now suggested Nigel stormed to the side of the set, beckoned over his wife, Hollywood actress Lucy Liemann, 50, and let rip.
Nigel Harman and Katya Jones were forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing after he was injured (BBC/Ray Burmiston)
It has been alleged that Nigel ranted at his wife, Lucy Liemann, during the events of Blackpool week (Dave Benett/Getty Images)The audience member has claimed to the MailOnline: “It all kicked off when he got his scores from the judges. When the cameras stopped rolling he stormed back to his seat and beckoned his wife over. You could tell she knew what was coming.
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“She tried to pacify him but [that] didn’t work and he took his disappointment out on her. After he walked off, Katya then tried to console her. She was visibly upset.”
The newly uncovered allegations come after reports suggested BBC staff were glad to see the back of Nigel following his abrupt exit on Saturday. The star himself appeared on the BBC show to explain why he could no longer participate as he was struck down with an agonising injury.
Nigel revealed: “I was leaping off a rostrum and was about to be caught by some very handsome men and as I flew, I ‘Peter Panned’ as I landed and I was in A&E. So I’ve done something to my rib, basically and it’s quite painful. I’m a little bit high on painkillers as well, but I’m having a lovely time.”
The crew, allegedly, have had less than a lovely time - with accusations Nigel’s mood swings left everyone on edge. A source told The Sun on Monday: “Nigel takes himself very seriously as a performer and throws himself heart and soul into things. So obviously he’s very emotional if things don’t go as he hoped. That often means that he can be like a bear with a sore head backstage. Viewers got a glimpse of that when he received disappointing scores for their quickstep in Blackpool."
“The crew and pros on the show are like a close family and the celebrities are welcomed into that. But if someone upsets that long-standing dynamic it can create bad feeling. Despite this everyone on the show also felt huge sympathy for Nigel having to leave the competition under such difficult circumstances.”
A BBC source downplayed the drama, however, telling the Mirror that Nigel is to be welcomed back to the series for the grand finale - which is now less than two weeks away. The source said: "It is always sad when a contestant leaves the show, particularly when an injury is sustained. Nigel will be well missed by those who have worked alongside him on the show and everyone wishes him the very best and looks forward to seeing him at the final on Saturday 16th December."