Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell, 49, told her Twitter 172,000 followers she is stepping down from judging role on the show to focus on other work commitments. She wrote: “It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, 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 back stage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive.”
She added: “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.”
Host Claudia Winkleman, 47, reacted to the news in view of her 906,000 followers.
She commented: “We love you Darcey. You’ll be so so missed.”
Many of the former prima ballerina’s fans flocked to her page to comment on the news.
One user commented: “You will be missed!! Won’t be the same without you.”
A second added: “Absolutely gutted you will be missed but look forward to seeing your future adventures.”
A third penned: “Good luck for future endeavours. I’ve enjoyed your input on the show.”
Darcey has been a judge on the show for seven years, sitting alongside veteran judges Craig Revel Horwood, 54, Bruno Tonioli, 63, and Shirley Ballas, 58. Darcey joined the panel in 2012, replacing Alesha Dixon, 40, who previously won the show.
Addressing the judge’s exit, Director of BBC Content Charlotte Moore said she would be “thoroughly missed” on the award-winning show.
She 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 of MD, Entertainment & Music, BBC Studios added: “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.”
It is currently unknown who will be replacing Darcey on the upcoming series.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One later this year.
