Popular English actor Nigel Harman has been forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing after sustaining an injury, the BBC has said.

A press release shared by the BBC Press Office said that because of his injury, the Casualty and EastEnders star would not be able to compete in tonight's show and "has had to withdraw from Strictly."

It said: "Unfortunately Nigel has sustained an injury which means he is unable to perform in tonight’s show and has had to withdraw from Strictly."

Nigel Harman 'overwhelmed' by support from fans ahead of show exit

Nigel Harman joined Strictly Come Dancing alongside other celebrities like Bobby Brazier and Les Dennis.

He was dancing alongside Katya Jones and just recently shared how enthusiastic he was about his routine this weekend.

Appearing on the BBC show Strictly It Takes Two, he told show host Fluer East that he was "overwhelmed" by the support he had received from fans.

He said: "It’s kind of a bit overwhelming that people are sitting there voting for us,"

Nigel Harman is yet to say anything about his exit but fans across the country have taken to social media to share their reaction with one writing: "Hope he gets well soon. SPEEDY RECOVERY WISHES!"

Last week, Nigel and Katya performed the rumba, seeing the pair placed at the bottom of the scoreboard once again with the stars being unable to score a 10 from the judges this season.

After last week's dance, Nigel kissed his professional partner on the forehead and said:  "All the time through our hands we're communicating and through our bodies, you have to be totally locked on with your partner to do that. One of my favourite times of the weeks, is when we stand on the corner of the dancefloor and we hold hands and we walk out there together."

Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 7:25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.