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

Strictly's Holly Valance at book launch with boyfriend Nick Candy

That's the wrong kind of tango, Holly! Strictly's Valance takes her tan too far at book launch with boyfriend Nick Candy

By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 2:48 PM on 27th October 2011


To prepare to take to the stage on Strictly Come Dancing, the contestants are forced to slather on the fake tan and make-up to hold up under the strong television lights.

But it seems Holly Valance is liking her Strictly look a bit too much, judging by photos of the Australian actress at a book launch last night.

The 28-year-old actress appeared to have overdone the fake tan, perhaps in preparation for this weekend's live shows, as she posed on the red carpet with her boyfriend Nick Candy.

Taking the Strictly tan a bit too far: Holly Valance looked very orange as she attended a book launch with boyfriend Nick Candy last night

Transformation: Holly looked significantly more tanned than she had the night before

Holly teamed her tangoed skin with an 1980's style skintight leather dress and sky-high heels for the launch of the Candy Brothers' book The Art Of Design at London's Halcyon Gallery

Earlier in the evening, Holly had tweeted: 'So proud and excited to go to my Darling Nick's book launch tonight for Candy & Candy- 'The Art of Design'!! I Love You. #BeyondProud X'

While Holly's glowing hue proved slightly distracting at the launch, the former Neighbours star appeared to have lost a significant amount of weight since starting in Strictly.

Loved-up: Holly posed up with billionaire beau Nick at the launch of his new book The Art Of Design

We're all friends: Holly and Nick also posed up with her Strictly partner Artem Chigvinstev

The actress, who has been wowing the judges with her performances with dance partner Artem Chigvinstev, looked slender in the form-fitting outfit as she posed for photographers.

And it seems her billionaire boyfriend Nick isn't averse to her Strictly costumes and make-up, as Holly revealed recently.

Asked what he thinks of all the glitz and glamour, Holly said: 'Nick did ask if I could bring the wig home, put it that way.

HOLLY

Best of friends: Artem and Nick looked in good spirits at the launch

'Every show he's in the front row, I think he will be there whether I'm in the competition or not.

'He's a little attached and he enjoys himself a little too much!'

Holly and Nick have been putting on a show of unity recently following claims of a budding romance between Holly and Artem.

Slender: Tamara Ecclestone looked fantastic in a form-fitting leopard print dress

Differing styles: While Nancy Dell'Olio wore a minidress which showed off her figure, Lulu covered up in a silver padded jacket

But last night, as well as Holly and Nick putting on a united front, Nick also posed up with Artem - showing there are no hard feelings whatsoever.

Guests at the star-studded party also included Tamara Ecclestone, who looked slender in an animal-print dress, and Holly's Strictly competitor Nancy Dell'Olio, who wore a sleek minidress.

But while Nancy and Holly both showed off their dancing-honed bodies, Lulu decided to cover up in a bizarre padded silver jacket.

Party-goers at the event, including Paul McKenna and Emma Forbes, were treated to Ketel One Vodka Cocktails including the 'Candy Ketel Rose'.

Nick, 38, has been dating Holly since 2009.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2054067/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-Holly-Valance-takes-tan-far-night-boyfriend-Nick-Candy.html#ixzz1c1Smwfva

Holly Valance shares picture of her and 'brilliant' new pal Kara Tointon amid reports of jealous rows

See, we ARE friends! Holly Valance shares picture of her and 'brilliant' new pal Kara Tointon amid reports of jealous rows

By Sarah Bull and Kirsty Mccormack

Last updated at 9:38 AM on 25th October 2011


She was quick to come forward to insist she and Kara Tointon are great friends amid reports her partnering with Kara's boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev on Strictly Come Dancing is causing problems.

And now Holly Valance has shared a picture of herself and Kara cuddling up behind the scenes to prove there are no issues between the two actresses.

Holly posted the picture on her Twitter page with the caption: 'Celebrating a fun show!!! Awesome night! My feet hurt! Ahahaha.'

See, we are friends! Holly Valance shared a picture of her and 'brilliant' new pal Kara Tointon on Twitter

The former Neighbours star decided to reassure her fans about her friendship with Kara just hours after saying in an interview that former Strictly winner Kara has been giving her advice for Strictly.

She said: 'Kara has been giving me lots of advice. It's not long ago that she did it and she knows what I am feeling like.

'That's been so brilliant.'

Kara - who won the reality TV show last year after dancing with the Russian pro - struck up a relationship with Artem during the eighth series and confirmed it at the beginning of this year.

Smiling through the pain: Kara yesterday put on a brave face following rumours surrounding her relationship with Artem Chigvintsev

Dancing queen: The actress has apparently been giving Holly Valance advice after she won Strictly Come Dancing last year

But it was reported earlier this month that Artem was apparently reduced to tears after an emotional argument with 'insecure' Kara a few weeks ago and has been struggling to keep his emotions in check during rehearsals with former pop star, Holly.

However, Kara, 28, was yesterday seen looking in good spirits as she arrived at a large Tesco store to do some Sunday shopping

Wearing a pair of black leggings with matching knee-high boots and a faux fur-detailed jacket, the actress looked happy and relaxed as she chatted away on her mobile phone.

Busting some moves: Kara met Artem when the two were paired with each other on last year's show

She kept her large sunglasses on at all times and pushed her trolley - full of two reusable shopping bags - towards her car whilst still talking on her phone.

Reports have suggested that 29-year-old Artem moved out of the couple's home temporarily due to them having such bad arguments, but Kara appeared to be doing a food shop to stock up the fridge in their love nest, so perhaps all has been resolved.

New dance partner: Now the Russian pro is taking to the floor with actress-come-singer Holly

Aussie star Holly has spoken up about the rumours and insisted that her and her dance partner are just good friends.

'We get on great and he is a fantastic teacher,' she said. 'But when you are suddenly spending time with a random man, it's important that everything is above board.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2052909/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-Holly-Valance-Kara-Tointon-ARE-friends.html#ixzz1bpiRNxTX