Strictly’s Emma Barton suffers shock injury after Charleston rehearsals

The EastEnders actress spoke out as she joined rivals Karim Zeroual and Kelvin Fletcher eyeing up the Glitterball. Emma, 42, revealed how she said she pulled a muscle in her bottom. She said: “It’s quite funny actually, the Charleston – we did it week 11 and it’s fast, high-intensity.”

“We smashed it all through the week and then, on the Friday morning, when we got to the studio we had to do a bit of social media and I pulled a muscle in my bottom, just standing. How do you do that? It was the right (cheek) and I did panic.”

Emma said she “strapped up” the injured area, saying: “It had several large plasters on it, it worked because I got through it.”

She will perform the Charleston again in the final with professional partner Anton Du Beke, 53, and joked: “I might have to get the plasters back out. I couldn’t believe getting to the semi-finals, but then words can’t describe how I feel.”

It will be only the second time Du Beke has competed in a final. He said: “I am beyond excited, I can’t even tell you what that feels like.”

CBBC presenter Karim, 26, said he gets so nervous he is often “shaking like a leaf” before he takes to the dance floor. He will revisit his quickstep to Mr Pinstripe Suit with professional Amy Dowden, 28. He said: “The nerves can be quite hard to deal with, it doesn’t really get easier. It’s the best feeling once you’re out there and when it’s done but when we walk up the stairs I’m shaking like a leaf.”

Emmerdale star Kelvin, 35, is odds-on favourite to lift the trophy with partner Oti Mabuse, 29.

He said: “I’m a huge Strictly fan. It’s been one of those shows that I’ve watched at home for years and thought I would love to do that. It’s been the best thing I’ve ever done and it has changed my life and it’s been absolutely incredible.”

The final will be hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

Strictly Come Dancing, tonight BBC One at 7.05pm

source: express.co.uk