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Simon Duke

Strictly's Will Mellor said he 'had to' do Saturday's dance in emotional response to fan concern

Will Mellor has admitted the last week on Strictly Come Dancing has been an 'emotional rollercoaster', after fans were left concerned for his health and he received his lowest scores so far.

Former Hollyoaks star Will had been the bookies' favourite to win the new series right from the end of the first live show, following his and Strictly pro partner Nancy Xu 's amazing week one jive. After bookies put him as the one to beat, Will's marks then took a downturn in week two, before he was back near the top of the leaderboard in Movie Week. Ahead of Saturday's fourth live show, Will and Nancy appeared on Thursday's It Takes Two, with viewers at home immediately noticing that Will looked and sounded under the weather.

Addressing those concerns in a Facebook post, Will said he'd been struck down by 'a virus,' and had missed some training as a result and, sadly for him, his lack of rehearsal time was evident when he and Nancy took to the BBC ballroom to perform a rumba to Ed Sheeran's The Joker and the Queen. Will struggled through the routine and got just 23 out of 40, including a measly 4 from Craig Revel-Horwood, putting him second bottom of the standings.

READ MORE: Gorka Marquez 'halts' Strictly to make emotional Helen Skelton plea

In the aftermath of the performance, Nancy told Will he was her 'winner' for just staying on the dancefloor after a tough week. Hearing Will croak through his interview, viewers took to Twitter in concern, some saying he should have been allowed a week off.

Then, after he and Nancy made it through to a special BBC birthday special this coming weekend, Will returned to Facebook with an emotional post about what had ben going on and why he 'had to' dance on Saturday night. The Two Pints of Lager and No Offence star wrote: "It’s a rollercoaster of emotions. Thanks to each and every one of you that are voting to keep us dancing on the show. I promise to keep doing my best."

In the comment sections of the post, Will added: "This dance meant so much to me, I had to do it. It’s okay, not to be okay and want anyone who is struggling with their mental health to talk to someone. Anyone."

READ NEXT:

  • Helen Skelton dealt 'personal blow' before next Strictly live show
  • Craig Revel-Horwood calls out Strictly 'double standards' amid boos
  • Strictly Come Dancing's Will Mellor sparks health concerns after lowest score yet
  • Jayde Adams in tears over tragic back story to Strictly song choice
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