Pop Idol champ Will Young has said that quitting Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 was the “best thing [he’s] ever done”.
He had been among the favourites to win the coveted Glitterball Trophy but quit and cited “personal reasons” in his statement to explain.
Now though, he has spoken out and given a further explanation, explaining that he “felt trapped” and was going through some mental health issues.
Speaking on the Media Masters podcast, he said that he was dealing with some extreme post-traumatic stress disorder.
Heartbreakingly, he added that he had even considered breaking his legs so that he wouldn’t have to dance.
Will Young quit Strictly in 2016 just a few weeks into the show (Image: BBC)
Will said that nowadays he’s “much better at looking after [himself]” and the difficult decision back then has allowed him to take control of his work life and take a week off if he needs it.
He said: “I took a week off because it was too much. I was burnt out.
“The good thing is now that the climate’s changed, you know, a producer cannot go, ‘That’s not good enough.’
“So when I wanted to take a week off, I went to my psychiatrist, said, ‘I just need you to write a note, basically, because they’re going to need it for their insurance or whatever,’ write the note, went in, ‘Here’s the note, I’m off for a week.'”
Will has explained the mental health issues he was going through have now made him stronger (Image: WireImage)
In 2016, Will quit Strictly after just three weeks meaning he lost his reported £100,000 fee.
At the time, it was rumoured that he’d quit the show after an on-screen spat with then head judge Len Goodman.
Len had slammed Will and pro partner Karen Hauer’s Salsa for not including enough Salsa, instead being too Bollywood-inspired.
Will told Len that there were “24 counts of Salsa in the routine”, which Len was not having.
He told the singer to “turn up, keep up and shut up”.
Will clashed with Len Goodman after his Bollywood-inspired Salsa routine (Image: PA)
Will said in his statement: “To be 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.
“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’!”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
