Strictly Come Dancing star Robert Webb has revealed he has withdrawn from the competition due to ill health.
The Fresh Meat actor said he was “extremely sorry” to announce his exit after initially believing that he was fit enough to take part in the show.
The star said he had sought urgent medical care after complications following his heart surgery but was encouraged to put himself first and take a step back.
Announcing his departure on Strictly – It Takes Two, host Janette Manrara read a statement from Robert.
It read: “I’m extremely sorry to have to announce that I’m withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing due to ill health.
(Image: BBC)
“Two years ago I had open-heart surgery and although I believed I was fit enough to take on Strictly and its demanding schedule, it became clear that I had bitten off way more than I could chew for this stage in my recovery.”
Robert continued: “I had begun to feel symptoms that led me to seek an urgent consultation with my heart specialist, and it was her view that it would be better for the sake of my health to step back from the show.
(Image: PA)
“I’m proud of the three dances that Dianne Buswell and I managed to perform and deeply regret having to let her down like this. I couldn’t have wished for a more talented partner or more patient teacher, and it’s a measure of Dianne’s professionalism and kindness that I was able to get as far as I did.”
The 49-year-old went on to add: “Thanks too to everyone at home who voted for us. It was always going to be a difficult mountain to climb (for one thing it’s made of glitter so it’s very skiddy) and I’ve been especially touched by the support from fellow heart patients. I think perhaps I was too eager to impress them.
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
“They will know that recovery doesn’t always go in a straight line, and I hope they’re not too disappointed that I ran into the limits of my resilience much sooner than I’d hoped.”
Dianne explained that she feels “lucky” to have performed with Robert as well as calling him a friend.
Sharing his sorrow, Robert added: “Despite this sad ending, it has been a genuine honour to be part of this huge, joyful and barking mad TV show.”
(Image: BBC)
Since the news broke, fans have flocked to social media to share their heartbreak, with one penning: “Sending nothing but best wishes to Robert I’m so sad that he’s gone #ItTakesTwo.”
“Sorry to hear about Robert, but I guess his health comes first. I loved him and Dianne, best wishes to both #ItTakesTwo,” wrote a second.
While a third typed: “Oh no that’s such a shame! Look after yourself Robert, your health is more important #ItTakesTwo.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs at 7pm on Saturday, on BBC One.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
