Will Young leaves Strictly
Sadly due to personal reasons, Will Young has decided to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing.
Will said "To be a part of Strictly has been a long time ambition of mine. As a performer, a viewer, and a fan of the show, to dance as a contestant was an experience I always hoped for. I have made some great friends, and am in awe of their performances week in, week out. I have found a creative partnership with Karen that has been the most wonderful thing to experience. I will be eternally grateful to her for her direction, talent and guiding me through three wonderful dances that I will be able to show my grandkids in years to come.
"Unfortunately, I am leaving the show for personal reasons. I leave with joy in my heart that I have been able to take part in one of the most loved shows on British television. I am so grateful to everyone who works on Strictly from the lighting designer to catering to the production team. Strictly truly is the most unique family and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. And finally thank you to the BBC for supporting me throughout my journey. I wish my compatriots so much luck, and although I am back to being a viewer again, I’m certainly going to ‘keeeep dancing’!".
The show fully respects Will's decision and wishes him all the best for the future.
Does this mean there will be no elimination next week?
There will be a Results Show and elimination this weekend as planned. The series will continue as planned, with an elimination every week until the Grand Final.
Will the show be shorter this week? How will you fill the time?
The Saturday show will be slightly shorter this week, but with twelve dances and a magnificent professional routine there is still plenty on offer for viewers to enjoy.
What will happen to Will's partner Karen?
As Will was partnered by Karen Clifton, she will no longer be competing in the main competition. However, she will still continue to be seen each week as part of the professional dancers routines and there are the Children in Need and Christmas Specials still to come this year which she may be a part of.
Take a look back at Will and Karen's brilliant routines during his time in the competition:
