Saffron Barker, 19, has been uncharacteristically absent from Instagram this week after suffering from a bout of ill health. The social media star broke her silence in a video this afternoon, as she explained why she hadn’t been sharing frequent updates on her Strictly Come Dancing training. Saffron, who has been pushing through her symptoms to rehearse with her dance partner AJ Pritchard, 24, apologised for her lack of social media posts of late. She told her 1.3 million Instagram followers: “Sorry guys that I have been so rubbish.
“I haven’t been showing you anything on the stories, what’s been happening. I haven’t given you any sneak peeks of our training just because we have been non-stop and I’ve also been so unwell.”
The Strictly hopeful added: “This is the first day I’ve been feeling actually okay and honestly I’ve been really struggling with this dance.”
Explaining her nerves ahead of the second live show, Saffron admitted she has been dreading dancing the Cha Cha Cha.
She candidly continued in reference to the Latin dance: “It’s the one I was scared of more than any and I know why and being ill just hasn’t helped it, to be honest.”
Fortunately, Saffron ended the video on a positive note, as she said: “I think it’s going to be great and I’m absolutely buzzing for Saturday so don’t forget to be there.”
The YouTuber suffered the injury after spending 11 hours in the rehearsal room perfecting her routine ahead of Saturday’s live show.
Training for the fast-paced number had caused Saffron to shield her sore feet by wrapping them in bright blue bandages.
Alongside a close-up of her toes, Saffron wrote: “My feet hurt SO MUCH”.
AJ also documented their progress by posting a sweaty picture of the pair and told his 574,000 Instagram followers: “Only an 11hr day today.
“Honestly so worth it, making the most out of everyday.”
The Ballroom and Latin dancer continued: “@saffronbarker sure makes me sweat.”
In the comments section, Saffron shared her thoughts as she replied: “let’s hope it’s worth it!!”
The couple also updated fans on an impressive move they are hoping to pull off in their routine.
During an appearance on Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two, Saffron, who does Muay Thai boxing for fitness, told host Rylan Clark-Neal, 30: “I’ve actually begged him to put the Muay Thai boxing in a routine and it will happen.”
“We added that kick in today, we added an overhead kick,” AJ revealed.
However AJ admitted he has some reservations about the move, as he insisted to his partner: “I just want to make sure that you do get over my head.”
“Honestly, I skimmed his head today, like, so close,” Saffron giggled.
Strictly Come Dancing 2019 continues Saturday at 6.40pm on BBC One.
