Darcey Bussell has shocked fans by sensationally quitting Strictly Come Dancing.
The judge is stepping away from the BBC show after seven series, and in a odd statement insisted it's got nothing to do with any 'upset or disagreement'.
"It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team," she said.
"I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire back stage 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 truly wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better."
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And despite her decision to quit, she said she's already hoping that one day she will be invited back.
"I know I will miss being part of this unique show and the fact that 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," she said.
Claudia Winkleman, one half of the show's presenting duo, was one of the first to share her sadness, tweeting, "We love you Darcey. You'll be so so missed. Xx."
Echoing the sentiment, pro dancer Oti Mabuse added, "DarceyOfficial you will always be loved and appreciated thank you for being so elegant,funny, positive and encouraging to us. We will never forget you and making personally 4 years a memorable journey £damedarcey @bbcstrictly."
Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, said: “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 & Music, BBC Studios said: "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."
Former principle ballerina Darcey joined the show in 2012, taking over from Alesha Dixon after she left to judge Britain's Got Talent.
The one-time star of the Royal Ballet initially sat alongside Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli to deliver her weekly critiques.
She is long-rumoured to have clashed with Len's replacement, Shirley Ballas - although both have gone to great lengths to deny it.
"Of course I get on with Shirley. She's hysterical, she's got a great sense of humour, and I totally respect her amazing amount of knowledge. She's great to be with," Darcey insisted to the Telegraph last year.
And head judge Shirley said that despite having backgrounds that are 'worlds apart', there is no ill-feeling.
"I come from a housing estate, the under-privileged if you like, and she comes from privilege," she told Radio Times.
"But her persona and lovely attitude work well with mine. I just want to cuddle her all the time."
