Kym Marsh has broken her silence after it was announced she won't be able to compete in tonight's Strictly Come Dancing due to a positive Covid test.
The Coronation Street actress, who is partnered with Graziano Di Prima on the show, will miss this evening's instalment of the BBC One competition.
Taking to social media for the first time since it was announced she wouldn't be performing, she paid tribute to her daughter Emilie on her 25th birthday.
Posting a gorgeous photo of her daughter, in which she bore a strong resemblance to Kym, she praised Emilie for being a wonderful mum, a fantastic sister and amazing friend.
She gushed: "25 years!!!!! 25 years since you made our worlds a brighter place to be! You are and always have been our sunshine! You always loved every second of life! Like a little whirlwind of fun sweeping through every room you walked into. You still are. You draw people to you, you make people smile, you make people angry too hahah but you are one of the funniest and kindest people I know!
"You have such a good heart Emilie. You would absolutely turn yourself inside out to help others and I know that only too well of late especially. I won’t ever forget the love and constant support you have given to me, particularly these last few months, whether that’s helping take care of Polly while I work, calling into rehearsals late at night with treats to cheer me up cos you know I’m tired, or cooking endless meals for me and @grazianodiprima and making him welcome in your home and your life. You are a wonderful mummy, those babies are so so lucky to have you to guide them through their lives.
"You’re a fantastic sister, always there for David and Polly whenever they may need you. An amazing friend, and this I know first hand because you are my BEST friend, the laughs and the tears we have shared are ones I will carry with me always.
"There are so many wonderful things I can say about you, but I would be here all night, so I will end with this…..Emilie I am so very proud to call you my daughter. You are one hell of a woman!! So here’s to you baby girl! Happy birthday. Love you so much always and forever xxx
Over the weeks, Kym has received much praise from the judges and viewers for her performances, particular her Argentine Tango, which scored 37 points.
The actress and Graziano danced the Paso Doble to 'Only Girl (In The World)' by Rihanna / 'We Found Love' by Calvin Harris ft Rihanna last week, as the show returned to Blackpool for the first time in three years.
They gained 33 points for their performance, putting them second bottom on the leader board, in front of comedian Ellie Taylor and her pro partner Johanne Radebe.
Head judge Shirley Ballas shared of their routine: "I feel like you are in warrior mode. You are here and you are fighting."
"What I loved, it was so powerful but yet you still kept the femininity," whilst Motsi Mabuse praised Kym's control and energy.
Breaking the news of Kym's positive test result, a Strictly spokesperson said: "Kym Marsh has tested positive for Covid-19. As a result, Kym and Graziano will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend. Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, they will return the following week.”
On Sunday, Radio DJ Tyler West and his professional dance partner Dianne Buswell found themselves out the competition after taking part in the dreaded dance-off against actress and singer Molly Rainford and her partner Carlos Gu.
It comes after sources revealed Kym had to stop her rehearsals a few weeks back as she suffered a panic attack and 'broke down' before the live show. During the programme, she admitted to host Claudia Winkleman that it had been a tough week for her.
After her Quickstep routine, Kym admitted to Claudia: "I felt pretty confident going in...I've had a bit of a dodgy day when it comes to confidence, but the team and everyone here has just picked me up. I can't thank you all enough for that."
And later that week, appearing on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, Kym spoke further about the dance and day beforehand.
She told presenter Janette Manrara: "We had so much fun, after having a day of a bit of a meltdown, I just got on there and thought, do you know what, let's just have fun? And we did, we just went out and just enjoyed ourselves."
Kym has been juggling three jobs whilst on Strictly, as she has been continuing to present BBC show Morning Live from time to time and has also been filming for the revival of drama series Waterloo Road.
