Darcey Bussell, 50, announced she would be leaving Strictly Come Dancing after seven years as a judge back in April. The BBC later revealed she would be replaced on the panel by Motsi Mabuse, 38. However, in spite of the former ballet dancer’s absence from the programme, she didn’t hesitate in sharing a congratulatory message to the Strictly team following the first live show of the series, which aired last night. Taking to Instagram today in view of her 166,000 followers, Darcey shared a happy photo of herself outside the Royal Academy of Dance.
The ex-judge was pictured beaming for the camera with her thumbs up outside the studios.
She wore a sporty ensemble for the snap in form-fitting leggings paired with shorts alongside a boldly printed T-shirt and trainers.
Breaking her silence on the new series, Darcey wished the “best of luck” to the show in the caption and predicted “it’s going to be fantastic”.
She wrote: “Big congratulations to @bbcstrictly on a FAB-U-LOUS first show – it’s going to be a fantastic series.
“Best of luck to all the team, thinking of you all. Dx #keepdancing.”(sic)
Fans took to the comments section of the dancer’s post to share their thoughts about her message.
One person wrote: “It’s not the same without you Darcey… x.”
Another agreed: “Great show but all really missed you on it! X.”
“Missed you Darcey but was a cracking opener,” a third viewer added.
Darcey shared a statement about her departure from the BBC dance competition when she broke the news about her exit earlier this year.
She explained on social media: “It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly for the past seven years, working with such a talented team.
“I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire backstage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive.”
The TV personality then clarified she was not leaving the programme as a result of any “disagreement”.
She continued: “I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all, I am just stepping away to give more focus on my many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better.
“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.”
The BBC’s Director of Content, Charlotte Moore also made a statement at the time, saying: “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.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday at 6.40pm on BBC One.
