Strictly Come Dancing professional Janette Manrara has paid a touching tribute to her dancing partner Will Bayley , who has been forced to quit the show.
Paralympian Will obtained a "freak" knee injury during rehearsals for the show, and he made the heartbreaking announcement that he would not be returning on Saturday.
His partner Janette has now posted a lengthy gushing post on her Instagram alongside a photo of the two of them.
She wrote: "I had to post this photo again because it represents everything that I feel right now.
" @willbayleytt will always be my champion! He came on this show to share a very special message & every single week through his hard work & determination he did exactly that. In my eyes, that is truly winning!
"You inspired so many & most of all me! Thank you for being so incredible every week & giving your absolute EVERYTHING!
"I’m sending all the positive energy your way now for a speedy recovery.
"And a HUGE thank you to everyone that has supported us & sent such lovely messages! I love you Will, & forever and always….. #WeGotThisChamp ".
Fans commented words of support, including one who wrote: "So gutted for you both, such an amazing guy".
Aston Merrygold, who competed on the show in 2017, wrote: "So sorry for u guys! but u killed it week in week out".
"Such an inspiration! I wish you a speedy recovery Will and predict a very bright future for you", wrote another.
Will's shock departure means there will only be three contestants in the final this year rather than the usual four.
Table-tennis champ Will, who suffers with arthrogyposis in all four of his limbs, said today: “I’m gutted my Strictly journey has had to come to an end.
"I’ve loved being part of the show, and am so grateful for the phenomenal support we have received.
"I want to say a special thank you to Janette for believing in me, and giving me the confidence to believe in myself.
"The things we achieved, from our couple’s choice dance, through to the lifts in our salsa, will stay with me forever.
"I’ve had the time of my life.”
Will was given a free pass to this Saturday's show after he was unable to perform due to his injury, which left him in agonising pain.
It happened during rehearsals for the jive, during which he jumped off the raised stage at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire and twisted his right knee awkwardly.
Janette said: “Absolutely devastated that Will and I will not be able to continue dancing.
"We made some incredible memories that I will never forget, and I am pleased to have shared them with such an inspirational person whom I can now call a friend for life.”
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