Will Young quits Strictly Come Dancing
Will Young has quit Strictly Come Dancing the show’s official website has announced.
“Sadly 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.” – BBC
The news has led to speculation that a snippy moment between the singer and head judge Len Goodman could be behind the decision. The beeb has played down the suggestion.
In the encounter, seen during Saturday’s (8 October) show, Len criticised Young’s Bollywood-inspired Salsa to Jai Ho from the film Slumdog Millionaire noting that it lacked traditional salsa moves. Young disagreed with Len’s critique but was told to “turn up, keep up and shut up”.
“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’!”. – Will Young
A spokesman for Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed that this week’s results show will still see another celebrity exit the competition.
Last Sunday saw EastEnders actress Tameka Empson become the second celebrity to depart the ballroom after facing the dance off with TV presenter Laura Whitmore.
