SOAP hunk Kelvin Fletcher was last night drafted into the Strictly line-up to replace crocked toff Jamie Laing.
Kelvin –who played Andy Sugden in Emmerdale from 1996 to 2016 – told of his “surreal” week after bosses asked him to step in.
It came after Made in Chelsea star Jamie, 30, threw the show into chaos after he was forced to pull out with a foot injury just two days before tonight’s launch.
Muscle-bound Kelvin, 35, said last night: “It’s been the most surreal week of my life. I’m a massive fan of Strictly so it’s incredible. I’m so happy that I can be a part of it.
“But at the same time it’s quite bittersweet as I’m coming in on the back of Jamie’s injury.
“I can’t imagine going through all this excitement and then having to pull out. My thoughts are with him – he seems like a fantastic guy and I hope he’s doing OK.”
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Married Dad of two Kelvin quit Emmerdale to focus on other TV work, and has also been linked to ITV show I’m a Celebrity….”
He did not appear in last night’s Strictly launch show which was pre-recorded before Jamie’s injury in a group dance.
Kelvin will dance with South African beauty Oti Mabuse, 29, in the first live show on Saturday September 21.
The Sun Online revealed Kelvin was in talks to replace Jamie on Friday and has already spent time rehearsing with the team.
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