Phil Tufnell misses charity cricket match for extra Strictly Come Dancing training session

Tuffers, as he is known, was due to attend an annual charity match in Wallington, South London, on Wednesday.

But guests were told the ex-England spinner couldn't make it as he was putting in extra sessions in the dance studio to get up to speed.

One guest said: "The PA announcer came on and said 'as you can see Phil Tufnell cannot be here. His performance was so appalling on Strictly Come Dancing that he has had to have a whole week of intensive training'.

"Everyone was laughing in the crowd, especially those who had seen him on the show because it was so true."

The former I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here contestant is President of the Cricket for Change charity, who hold the event each year to raise money to help promote cricket in deprived areas, among other things.

He has been the guest of honour for the last two years at the match, which also includes a business networking lunch run by Croydon Economic Development Company (EDC).

A spokesman for Croydon EDC said: "I can confirm that Phil was not at the Cricket for Change event yesterday due to his commitments on Strictly Come Dancing. Devon Malcolm was in attendance, along with Mike Gatting and the Cricket for Change event, which was once again a great success with lots of money being raised for charity in Phil’s absence."

Tuffers had already complained on Twitter about his tough Strictly training session.

He wrote: "My knees are killing me, they feel like they're on fire."

He added: "Time for bed, ice pack on knees, whiskey in hand - medicinal of course. Very similar preparation when I played cricket."

Earlier this month, Tufnell said he was "worried" over his progress after missing training due to illness.

He will have is first marked performance with partner Katya Virshilas on Friday, having only taken part in group dances so far.

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