Natalie Gumede feeling 'much better' and is set to return to Strictly this week
SHE missed out on last week's live performance after fainting twice, but Natalie Gumede has revealed that she is feeling much better and is adamant she will be returning this week.
The former Coronation Street star, who is one of the favourites to win the show, had to pull out just hours before the live show but after being given a bye from show bosses, has confirmed she will compete at Blackpool's Tower Ballroom this Saturday.
"I'm down, but I am not out," she revealed to BBC2 spin-off show It Takes Two.
"I had felt very weak all week - I think it was just exhaustion - and basically my body just gave way.
"It gave up, it had enough, not enough rest to eating cake on the sofa, I think. So I collapsed unfortunately, and after trying again in dress rehearsals, I realsed I wasn't fit enough to dance and unfortunately I collapsed again."
However, she added: "I have been to the hospital and i have been to the doctor, and I am feeling much, much better. I am sorry I scared everybody."
And strictly host Tess Daly added that she was shocked after seeing the 29-year-old fall to the floor.
In her blog for Yahoo, Daly said: "When she fainted during the dress rehearsal I was seated only a few feet away and it was actually really shocking to witness. She was dancing full pelt during an incredibly energetic jive at the time.
"She literally collapsed in a heap, legs twisted the wrong way under her with her head thrown right back and her eyes rolling. Luckily her professional partner Artem (Chigvintsev) was on hand, quick as a flash, to catch her and break her fall."
At the time, her dance partner Artem Chigvinstev said: "She was shaking a lot and crying. I am just gutted for her. She is doing such a great job and I just want to say 'Please get better'."