Strictly Rachel on painkillers for final

STRICTLY Come Dancing favourite Rachel Stevens is undergoing emergency treatment for a back injury.

The 30-year-old former pop star is desperately trying to recover in time for Saturday's grand BBC final, where she is 6/4 favourite to win.

She jarred her back in a fall during training with partner Vincent Simone, putting her contest with Holby City actor Tom Chambers and model and presenter Lisa Snowdon in jeopardy. An insider said: "Rachel's having emergency physio and is taking painkillers. It couldn't have come at a worse time because she's desperate to be fully fit for the final.

"She's been struggling with her back and all the lifts haven't helped. She really jarred it after falling heavily. It's a real shame."

The show is at the centre of a row after a blunder meant all three couples went through to the final. At least 1,687 people complained to the BBC after last week's phone vote was scrapped.