Darcey Bussell has announced she is quitting as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
After seven series on the BBC’s flagship Saturday night dance show, Bussell is quick-stepping away from Britain’s glitziest judging panel “not because of any upset or disagreement” but to focus on her “many other commitments.”
She said: “It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team.
“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.”
She added: “I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day.”
Her replacement has not been announced, but the rest of the current judges – Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas – all look set to return.
Strictly will be back on our screens in autumn, and Chris Evans is the only confirmed celebrity so far to be in the running for the coveted Glitterball trophy.
