Darcey Bussell has spoken out on her decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing, explaining why she chose to leave the judging panel after a seven year stint.
In a statement released last month, the former ballet star confirmed that she was "not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all," and has now clarified the reasons behind her departure, telling The Sun that she felt she would be "pushing [her] luck" to continue on the hit BBC series for another seven years.
"It's not a decision that came easily at all," she told the publication. "But I knew I had the most amazing time for seven years and it is like pushing your luck to think that I could even do another seven years.
"So I just knew it was time for me to finish and to give that place for somebody else to judge on that wonderful show."
Bussell also revealed that she had made the decision with her young daughters in mind, telling the paper: "I want them to remember me as a classical dancer and not just a judge on Strictly."
The 50-year-old announced her departure in a statement last month, in which she described her time on the show as a "complete privilege."
"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 dace, after seven truly wonderful years that I can't imagine having gone any better.
The dance star joined the Strictly judging line-up in 2012, stepping in after Alesha Dixon's departure.
The BBC is yet to announce a replacement for Bussell.
