Courageous Artem Chigvintsev danced through the pain barrier on last night's show after he was forced to quit rehearsals with a bad back. The Russian pro almost had to pull out of his performance with partner Holly Valance after going to hospital for treatment on a strained muscle. Host Sir Bruce Forsyth, 83, had earlier stepped into help the Australian beauty run through her steps in rehearsals. Artem managed to make it back in time to take to the floor for the duo's energetic jive routine to Bruno Mars' hit Run Away Baby. After the brave dancer limped off stage the duo scored 34 out of 40, which was the second highest of the night.
Waterloo Road star Chelsee Healey, 23, topped the leader board after scoring 36 for her high-octane version of 1920s dance craze the Charleston. Last week's "wardrobe malfunction", when her dress strap broke and she left the dancefloor in tears, was forgotten entirely.
Len Goodman's replacement, on the judging panel, Hollywood actress Jennifer Grey, echoed a famous line from her big hit Dirty Dancing when she told Chelsee: "You're the baby in this competition and from one baby to another: no one puts baby in the corner."A Strictly source said: "Artem had been really struggling all day with his back and he took the decision to go to hospital to get himself checked out. "He made sure he was back in time to perform even though he was in a lot of pain. There was no way he would let Holly down."Camp astrologer Russell Grant, 60, came bottom of the competition with 24 out of 40 though his paso dressed as a matador was described by Bruno as "demented but fabulous". If you want to know more about low back pain and how to manage it call Luck’s Yard Clinic at 01483-527945 or visit Luck's Yard Clinic on the best of Guildford.
