STRICTLY Come Dancing fans gasped as it was revealed at last night's show that favourite Natalie Gumede would not perform as she had fainted.

The audience were told: "As you may have seen, we are missing a couple tonight. Sadly Natalie was taken ill during a dress rehearsal and won't be taking part in tonight's show."

The former Coronation Street actress had been due to perform a jive with partner Artem Chihvintsev but was ruled out after fainting twice.

A spokesman for the BBC show said: "Natalie fainted during first band call, then again during dress run. She has been checked by the medical team on site and will be going to A&E as a precaution."