Will Young leaves Strictly Come Dancing for ‘personal reasons’

The pop star and actor has pulled out of the competition just two weeks into the live shows 
Quit: Will Young has pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing
BBC
Jennifer Ruby12 October 2016
The Weekender

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Will Young has quit Strictly Come Dancing just two weeks into the live shows.

The pop star and actor, who was one of the favourites to win, has withdrawn from the competition due to ‘personal reasons’.

The 37-year-old former Pop Idol winner posted a link to a statement on his website on Tuesday evening, which read:

“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.

Will Young and Karen Clifton dance the salsa
Guy Levy/BBC

“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.

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“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’!”

A BBC spokesperson said: “Due to personal reasons, Will Young has decided to withdraw form Strictly Come Dancing.

Will Young and Karen Clifton during the first live show 
Guy Levy/BBC

“The show fully respects his decision and wishes him all the best for the future.”

Young was considered to be one of the strongest dancers on the show, despite being criticised for his previous professional dance training.

He clashed with Len Goodman on Saturday after the head judge criticised his salsa with parnter Karen Clifton.

"For me, not enough Salsa. I loved the dance it was entertaining it was fun... but it's a Salsa, and I would have liked more," said Goodman.

Young quickly hit back: "There are 24 counts of Salsa in the routine."

"Well I must say, most of them I didn't recognise. But my other advice to you is turn up, keep up and shut up," Goodman added.

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