Strictly Come Dancing has been hit hard by injuries this year, and it seems another contestant could be forced to leave the competition earlier than expected. This series has already seen more withdrawals than any other in the show's 21-year history.

Before the show even kicked off, Dani Dyer, 29, was forced to exit after fracturing her ankle in a fall during rehearsals. Next came Neighbours star Stefan Dennis, who was given a bye after sustaining an injury.

Despite returning the following week with his professional partner Dianne Buswell, Stefan announced he would be leaving for good after tearing his calf.

Just when viewers were hoping the worst was over, La Voix became the next contestant to sustain a nasty injury. Like Stefan, the drag queen was given a bye to the following week after doctors warned she needed to rest her foot to prevent further injury.

When the Blackpool special kicked off, presenter Tess Daly revealed that La Voix would not be returning to the competition, as her foot injury had failed to improve.

That brings the total to three contestants forced to withdraw this year, making this without question the most injury-hit series in Strictly's history.

I understand it's a dance competition and it can be gruelling, but are the contestants being pushed too hard?

I genuinely hope this is the end of the injury saga for this year because every celebrity deserves the chance to reach their full potential. I'm also not sure if we can sit through another Sunday results show that actually doesn't feature an elimination.

Unfortunately, it seems the injury saga may not be over, as another contestant could be heading for the door and that person is Alex Kingston. It was recently revealed that Alex, 62, performed her Couple's Choice routine with Johannes Radebe at Blackpool with a dislocated rib.

We all know Alex is an absolute powerhouse, and it's clear she gives everything during rehearsals. But Strictly Come Dancing is intense and takes its toll on even the fittest of stars.

While Alex has insisted it's only a minor injury, I can't help but wonder if she might be forced to withdraw next.

What makes it worse is that Alex is no doubt in the running to lift the glitterball, so seeing her exit the competition before her time is up will be all the more devastating.