Britain's Got Talent hopefuls Paddy and Nico have pulled out of the show on doctor's orders.

The 79-year-old salsa dancer, Sarah 'Paddy' Jones, and her Spanish partner Nicolas Espinosa were forced to withdraw from tomorrow's live semi-final after she injured her ribs during rehearsals.

"After seeking medical advice, Paddy will not be able to perform in the semi-final," a spokesman for the ITV show said. "Unfortunately because of this Paddy and Nico have had to withdraw from the competition."

Amanda Holden, who chose the pair as her Golden Buzzer act, said she was disappointed the dancing duo would not be able to continue to compete.

She told Britain's Got More Talent host Stephen Mulhern: "Obviously, the most important thing is that she makes a recovery. I think she's done something to her rib. I'm gutted because I actually think she would have won Britain's Got Talent 2014."

She said: "I'm devastated Paddy and Nico won't be dancing in the finals. Ever since I first saw Paddy dance I fell in love with her. I was so looking forward to her and Nico wowing us with another amazing routine in the semi-finals."

The pair wowed all four judges - Holden, Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams - with their exuberant moves when they appeared in the first episode of the series.

Holden gave them her coveted Golden Buzzer, sending them straight through to the live shows.

They faced controversy following their successful audition as it emerged they previously won a Spanish talent competition, although Cowell defended their right to compete in Britain's Got Talent.

The last live semi-final takes place on ITV1 on Saturday, with the final on June 7.