NICOLE SCHERZINGER INJURES DEREK HOUGH DURING DANCE REHEARSALS

Nicole Scherzinger left her Dancing With The Stars partner Derek Hough wincing with pain during a recent rehearsal - after accidentally kicking him in the face.

The pop star is currently busy training for her debut on the reality TV contest, which sees celebrities perform ballroom dances.

But she nearly threw her debut into jeopardy after slicing open Derek Hough's face with a swift kick to the head, which narrowly missed his right eye.

Derek Hough is now nursing a laceration next to his eye but the couple is expected to compete as scheduled when the show kicks off on 22 March (10).

Nicole Scherzinger will face off against fellow stars including Baywatch babe Pamela Anderson and actress Shannen Doherty.