Waite said Johnson had 'developed as a person' on the show

Great Britain long jumper Jade Johnson has pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing after suffering a ligament tear in her knee during rehearsals.

The 29-year-old was left in tears after the problem forced her to miss last week's live programme, then withdrew completely on Saturday's BBC One show.

"It's very emotional," she said. "Just sitting here is really hard for me. The knee is quite sore."

Johnson has voiced concern over how the injury may affect her athletics season.

Earlier in the series, after confirming her knee "popped" during a practice for the show, she said: "I'm panicking a bit. Am I going to be able to start back training for my long jump in January?"

Doctors have advised her to rest and get treatment.

606: DEBATE I hope she recovers and goes on to show us all what she can do in the pit in the future paps83

Johnson had been partnering Ian Waite in the popular dance programme.

"Jade's developed so much as a person as well as a dancer," said Waite.

"It's been such a journey for the two of us. I've loved every minute."

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