Joe McFadden's toes have ballooned.

Joe McFadden

Joe McFadden

The 'Strictly Come Dancing' star has been trying to perfect his cha-cha-cha with his professional partner Katya Jones this week in time for their live performance this weekend, but his Cuban heels have been wreaking havoc for his feet and he's having to take regular rest breaks during his rehearsals because of his swollen metatarsals.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Joe's feet are really starting to feel the pain from his Cuban heels. His big toes are getting really squashed and hurt in training and he is in a lot of pain while doing his routine this week. Several times throughout the day he's having to take breaks and stop to massage his feet."

And his partner Katya has been trying to do all she can to relieve the pain, so has cut holes in his shoes in order to stop his toes from being so squashed up.

The insider added: "Katya needs him to get back to training and practice their dance so to help him, she has cut holes in his dancing shows to relieve him of the pressure."

Meanwhile, Joe is so focused on his training that he has admitted he's got no time to find love on the show - even though he was romantically linked to co-star Mollie King.

The 'Holby City' star, 42, said recently: "I don't know when anyone would have the time for romance, to be perfectly honest. I get home at night and I'm exhausted. All I can do is get myself something to eat and then fall into bed. Sometimes I have time for a hot bath, but that's about it. I can't imagine having the energy for anything else."