Holly Valance's Strictly Come Dancing partner Artem fractures his spine

By Ben Todd

Last updated at 9:01 AM on 8th November 2011



Knowing that her dance partner was struggling with a bad back, Holly Valance must have been delighted to receive a strong score on Strictly Come Dancing at the weekend.

And after Artem Chigvintsev’s medical results were revealed yesterday, she should be even more grateful – for he was jiving with a fractured spine.

The 29-year-old dancer sustained the injury last Friday, during rehearsals for the BBC1 programme.

Brave: Artem Chigvinstev jiving with Holly Valance despite a fractured spine

Despite the immense pain, he partnered pop star and actress Miss Valance, 28, for an energetic routine that earned the duo a score of 34 out of 40 – the second-highest of the night.

The feat seems remarkable now that Chigvintsev – who lives with Kara Tointon, whom he partnered to victory in last year’s competition – has been diagnosed with a transverse process fracture of the lumbar spine.



Men are four times more likely than women to suffer the fracture, which results from rotation or extreme sideways bending. It does not normally affect balance.

The injury was initially diagnosed as a strained muscle.

With Chigvintsev undergoing physiotherapy, Miss Valance is now training with Strictly stalwart Brendan Cole, who could perform the rumba with her this weekend.

The show must go on: Valance is continuing to train with Brendan Cole while Chigvintsev recovers

A BBC source said: ‘At the moment, Artem is not dancing – but he is attending rehearsals and choreographing the new routine. He wants to dance, but his health is our priority. We have a duty of care to him.’

Another insider doubted that Chigvintsev would be able to return so soon. ‘Heaven knows how Artem’s going to dance on Saturday,’ they said. ‘This is a serious injury.’

In a statement issued last night, the BBC said: ‘Artem injured himself during rehearsals on Friday. Following medical attention he has been diagnosed with a transverse process fracture of the lumbar spine.

Champion: Artem won last year's series with his actress girlfriend Kara Tointon

‘We have been told that this sort of fracture is completely stable and he has been advised that there is no untoward effect from him continuing to dance.

‘We will, of course, continue to review this following medical advice over the course of the week.’

Chigvintsev joined Strictly Come Dancing last year and soon became romantically involved with Miss Tointon.

The pair have faced plenty of speculation over the stability of their relationship. Last month he temporarily moved out of their North London home after a series of rows.

New Zealander Cole, 35, exited the competition on Sunday when he and partner Lulu were voted off.

Afterwards, the 63-year-old singer told the Daily Mail that Cole was ‘difficult’ to work with.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2058812/Strictly-Come-Dancing-Artem-Chigvintsev-fractures-spine.html#ixzz1d6UOSmJq