Will Young quits Strictly, opens up about reasons behind shock exit

Will Young shocked Strictly Come Dancing viewers when he unexpectedly quit the show on Tuesday (October 11), citing “personal reasons” as the motive for his departure from the show.

Today, the singer opened up more about about his decision to leave, and reassured fans that he is “absolutely dandy” after leaving the ballroom dancing competition.

“Here’s the thing. I’m absolutely dandy, thanks. It’s all very undramatic, really,” he wrote in a text to BBC Radio 2, which was read out on air.

“I’ve done my statement and others can say what they want to say. I never read what they say anyway,” the text continued.

The statement comes as rumours began to emerge that he had quit following a row with head judge Len Goodman on Saturday’s show (October 8), who told him to “show up, keep up and shut up” after they clashed following Will’s bollywood-themed performance at the weekend.

His dance partner, Karen Clifton took to Twitter to express her sadness at him leaving the show, adding that she wishes him “all the very best for the future.”

It was great dancing with him, he was such fun to work with and I wish him all the very best for the future.

— Karen Hauer (@karen_hauer) October 11, 2016

Read Will original statement on his exit from Strictly below:

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’!

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