Johnson, a silver medallist at both the European Championships and Commonwealth Games in 2002, suffered a knee injury which forced her to pull out of the competition prior to last night's show on BBC1.

 

Johnson's knee "popped'' when she tried to get up after dancing during the dress rehearsal and doctors advised her to rest and get treatment.

 

The Londoner said: "I heard a loud sound and straight away felt pain.

 

"I'm panicking a bit.

 

"Am I going to be able to start back training for my long jump in January?''

 

Johnson had claimed earlier this month that appearing on Strictly would not distract her from her main aim of winning a medal at the London 2012 Olympics.

 

Johnson wiped away tears as she appeared, still in her performance outfit, during the live show with her dance partner Ian Waite.

 

She said: "I just feel I’m letting everyone down.

 

"I really want to dance."

 

 

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