Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell has explained why she quit the hit show three years ago as the latest series sashays onto its climax.
The former ballet dancer, 53, was a judge for seven years before her sudden exit in 2019, and has now revealed she felt her views and those of the show’s producers did not meet on how she was going to present herself in the studio.
She told the Royal Academy of Dance podcast: “It was really hard because the producers on the show didn’t want me to be the ballet dancer and I was like, ‘Well, sadly I am, and I think you chose me because I am the ballet dancer’.
READ MORE: Strictly stars who’ve quit BBC show – health issues, accidents and mystery exit
“I was always going to play myself, however much I was convinced that to look like and be like the ballet dancer wasn’t the right thing.
(Image: BBC)
“I was, like, ‘Well, sorry, you’re taking me as it is. This is how I look and this is how I’ll act’.”
Darcey added that being a judge and dealing with Strictly’s fast-paced studio was “hard” as she wanted to take time to reflect before expressing her professional opinion.
The former principal dancer at the Royal Ballet in Covent Garden said: “It wasn’t the easiest thing for me, because I wanted to still be the dancer on that dancefloor.
(Image: The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images)
To stay up to date with all the latest news, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
“Being a judge full-time was hard, knowing that it’s live and having the ability to be quick and responsive, because I like to think and take my time.”
Darcey, who has until now remained quiet about her exit, was replaced on the Strictly judging panel by Motsi Mabuse.
READ NOW:
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
