Will Young, the actor and pop star, has quit this year’s Strictly Come Dancing due to ‘personal reasons’.
The BBC made the shock announcement tonight (11th October), saying: “Due to personal reasons, Will Young has decided to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing. The show fully respects his decision and wishes him all the best for the future.”
Will added in a newly released statement: “To be a part of Strictly has been a long time ambition of mine. As a performer, a viewer, and a fan of the show, to dance as a contestant was an experience I always hoped for. I have made some great friends, and am in awe of their performances week in, week out.
“I have found a creative partnership with Karen that has been the most wonderful thing to experience. I will be eternally grateful to her for her direction, talent and guiding me through three wonderful dances that I will be able to show my grandkids in years to come.
“Unfortunately, I am leaving the show for personal reasons.I leave with joy in my heart that I have been able to take part in one of the most loved shows on British television.
“I am so grateful to everyone who works on Strictly from the lighting designer to catering to the production team.
“Strictly truly is the most unique family and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. And finally thank you to the BBC for supporting me throughout my journey. I wish my compatriots so much luck, and although I am back to being a viewer again, I’m certainly going to ‘keeeep dancing’!”
Many are suggesting the withdrawal is a result of Len Goodman, who tensely confronted Will this weekend, telling him to ‘turn up, keep up and shut up”. However, inside sources have denied this, insisting the two have made up.
A BBC spokesperson has said the series structure will be unaffected by Will Young’s exit and another celebrity will be sent home on Sunday.
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