TV

Darcey Bussell issues statement after quitting Strictly Come Dancing

She was with the show for seven series

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Darcey Bussell is stepping down from her position as a judge on SCD, sharing a statement minutes after the BBC broke the news.

She wrote: “It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented  team.

“I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone, from my fellow judges and  presenters to the dancers and musicians, and the entire backstage team, and especially the viewers of the show who have been so supportive.

“I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all. I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance. After seven wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better, I know I will miss being part off this unique show, and the fact it celebrates dance is something I am so passionate about.

“I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day.”

The Strictly press office page wrote on Wednesday: “After seven incredible series, Dame Darcey Bussell (@DarceyOfficial) has decided to step down as judge from @BBCOne’s #Strictly.”

Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, said in a statement: “It has been an absolute honour to have Darcey, a national treasure and British dance icon, bring her passion for dance and her graceful presence to the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel for seven consecutive years. She will be thoroughly missed by us all and will of course remain part of the Strictly family in the future.”

Suzy Lamb, MD, Entertainment and Music, BBC Studios says: “”We feel very fortunate to have had Darcey on the Strictly judging panel for seven glorious years. Her exceptional knowledge of dance and generous spirit have helped many a celebrity keep dancing. Darcey is much loved by the entire Strictly family and I know will be missed in both the ballroom and in sitting rooms across the country.”

It comes after Chris Kamara had to turn down Strictly Come Dancing because his body is “totally knackered”.

Chris has said he can’t do Strictly as his body is “knackered” (Credit: SplashNews)

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The Sky Sports pundit and Ninja Warrior UK co-host has revealed he is not fit enough to take part in the BBC One ballroom and Latin show, as an injury he sustained before filming the obstacle course show has left him unable to play football.

He told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: “I’ve been invited to do Strictly and they told me who I would be dancing with because, apparently, you have to train with them for six weeks before.

“But it’s just not going to happen because my body is knackered.”

Chris says he feels like his body has “packed in” and joked that it would take “some serious WD40” to fix him.

He continued: “I got injured just before we filmed Ninja Warrior, which stopped me playing football with my mates.

“I haven’t played football since. I’m crocked now, my back has gone and I feel like my body has packed in.

“I’m totally knackered now. They’d need some serious WD40 for me.”

Chris – who is nicknamed Kammy – was approached for Strictly after wowing with his routine with professional dancer Anya Garnis on the Sport Relief special, with his famous catchphrase “Unbelievable Jeff” being called out by the TV audience.

Chris was approached for Strictly after wowing on the Sport Relief special (Credit: YouTube/BBC)

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Although the 61-year-old star won’t be hitting the dancefloor anytime soon, he will be returning to co-host Ninja Warrior UK with Ben Shephard and Rochelle Humes when the programme returns to screens on Saturday (13.04.19) on ITV.

Meanwhile, Chris Evans recently cast doubt over his Strictly debut.

The 37-year-old radio presenter has a “serious issue” with his left knee and although he is having it looked over by a “super doctor”, he may not be fit in time for the celebrity contest which returns to screens later this year.

He said: “I’ve got an issue with my left knee.

I’ve got a serious issue with my left knee.

Vassos’ mate, the super knee doctor is inspecting my knee before Friday. Honestly it’s true!”

Although Chris won’t be able to do Strictly, some other big names have been confirmed (Credit: SplashNews)

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The star was talking to Anton Du Beke – who has been a professional dancer on the celebrity competition since it began in 2004 – who joked he would lift him in routines so that his leg would not be hurt.

Anton said: “You’ve committed to it. Don’t worry about your left knee, I’ll lift you like I do with everyone else I’ve danced with, you’ll be the same!”

The red-haired star confirmed he’s doing Strictly at the end of last year.

Comedian Alan Carr and Welsh newsreader Huw Edwards have also been approached by the BBC for this year’s series.

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Kaggie Hyland
Editor-in-Chief