Denise Van Outen and James Jordan. Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston

Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan, who is partnering Denise Van Outen, has been ordered to stop rehearsals following an injury.

Jordan tripped over a step before his performance on the show on Saturday. Although he managed to get through the live show he has now been told by doctors to rest.

His ankle has become so swollen he has had to be replaced in rehearsals by stand-in Ian Waite, but former Big Breakfast presenter Van Outen is worried about Jordan and his “groaning”.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “No one realised how bad James’ ankle was until after Saturday’s show. He can barely walk let alone dance.

“Ian is a great dancer and James is directing them -- but it’s not the same.

“Denise is really worried about him, she can’t believe how much pain he’s in - and how much groaning he’s doing.”

Waite has said he is enjoying his time with Van Outen.

He tweeted: “Had such a great time working with @denise_vanouten today. She is an absolute star, so funny! (sic)”

It is the third problem faced by the duo since the show began in October - Van Outen suffered whiplash in rehearsal and Jordan injured his nose while rehearsing for a group dance.