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Why all these stars quit Strictly Come Dancing

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

From Digital Spy

Strictly Come Dancing has been going for an impressive fourteen years. And with the show still kicking up a storm in the ratings, it's showing no sign of slowing down.

Related: Strictly Come Dancing 2019 live tour announces full line-up

An invitation to take part on the BBC dance series is seen as a huge honour. But over the years there have been a few names that have bowed out early...

1. Will Young (series 14)

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

In 2016 the former Pop Idol winner announced that he was quitting Strictly Come Dancing for "personal reasons", having danced his way through three weeks.

In Will's initial announcement he said that the show had been a "long time ambition" of his, and that training with professional dancer Karen Clifton was "the most wonderful thing to experience."

A year later, the singer revealed that he had actually been suffering with "horrific" post-traumatic stress disorder during his time on the show.

In an interview with The Telegraph, he said: "I was really ill. I was dragging myself to rehearsals. I just couldn't do it any more."

2. John Sergeant (series 6)

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

The television and radio journalist was a surprising Strictly hit, with fans loving his 'quirky' performances week after week.

John actually ended up pulling out of the show over a fear he might win it - something he certainly had not been counting on.

He said in his statement: "I am sorry to say I have decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing. It was always my intention to have fun on the show and I was hoping to stay in as long as possible. The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition. Even for me that would be a joke too far. I would like to thank Kristina and all those viewers who have been rooting for me through the series."

His fans were gutted, with the BBC revealing it had received over 2,000 complaints about his decision.

3. Kelly Brook (series 5)

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

Sadly Kelly decided to pull out of the dancing competition after her dad Kenneth passed away.

Despite initially vowing to carry on with the show in honour of her father, the model found it too difficult and a statement was soon released regarding her decision.

The BBC said: "Sadly Kelly Brook has taken the decision to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing following the loss of her father this week.

"Kelly has done some training as she had hoped to continue with the show in his memory. However, understandably she has found it too difficult."

The BBC added: "Kelly has been a fantastic part of the programme and she will be sorely missed by everyone on the show who would also like to express their deepest sympathy to Kelly and her family at this difficult time."

4. Jade Johnson (series 7)

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

The Olympic athlete was forced to withdraw from the competition as a result of an injury.

The long-jumper "popped" her knee and was unable to perform during one weekend's show. She consequently had to leave, with presenters Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth confirming the news to viewers. The hosts explained that she had suffered a "grade two tear" to a knee ligament. Ouch.

Speaking on a VT at the time, Johnson said: "I'm so, so upset that I can't dance tonight. Right now, it just makes me see what a wonderful time I've had, how much I've enjoyed it and definitely how much I'm going to miss it."

5. Jimmy Tarbuck (series 4)

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

The comedian was forced to leave the show for his health.

A BBC spokesperson said at the time: "Following a doctor's assessment this week, Jimmy, the doctors and the BBC have come to the decision that for the good of Jimmy's health he should no longer take part."

Jimmy revealed that he was "absolutely devastated" by the decision.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One.


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