Strictly Come Dancing stars who quit BBC show – from death tragedy to health issues

As the current season of Strictly Come Dancing almost draws to a close it’s had its fair share of drama.

Many of the shows biggest stars – both contestants and judges – have had their absences from the current run of episodes thanks to Covid-19.

And let’s not forget comic actor Robert Webb shocked everyone when he sensationally had to drop out of the show early in the season due to health problems linked to his heart.

The Peep Show star was advised by doctors to quit when he put strain on a previous open heart surgery that saved his life after what he called years of neglecting his body.

But Robert isn’t the only celeb who has been forced to make an early exit from the hit BBC dance competition series over its 17-year run.

Pop Idol champ Will Young left the competition early back in 2016 and model Kelly Brook decided to quit following the death of her father.

Daily Star has taken a look at who else has had to call it quits prematurely and why.

Will Young

Will made the difficult decision to quit back in 2016 when he found his anxiety made the demands of the show impossible to deal with.

He has since said quitting was “the best thing” he ever did and called his brave move “liberating”.

At the time of his exit, Will- who was partnered with Strictly professional Karen Hauer – released a statement saying: “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 leave with joy in my heart that I have been able to take part in one of the most loved shows on British television.”

He added: “Strictly truly is the most unique family and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

Jamie Laing

Jamie was the contestant that never was when he was first due to take part in 2019.

The Made In Chelsea star never got off the starting line however when he sustained a foot injury during rehearsals for the launch show.

At the time, he said: “I’m absolutely devastated that I’m unable to continue in the competition, I was so excited to hit the dance floor.

“I would like to wish the lovely couples all the very best and hope they enjoy their time on the show to the fullest.”

Jamie did however make a comeback taking part in the 2020 series instead and was a huge hit with Strictly fans managing to hotfoot it all the way to the final.

Kelly Brook

Kelly joined the Strictly line-up partnered with Brendan Cole way back in 2007.

However, her run of performances on the series came to an abrupt end when her father Kenneth tragically passed away.

The radio host initially vowed to keep going in the competition as she felt it was what her dad would have wanted, but she very quickly found it was too much to deal with in the circumstances and made her exit.

A BBC spokesman said at the time: “Understandably she has found it too difficult.

“Kelly has been a fantastic part of the programme, and she will be sorely missed by everyone on the show who would also like to express their deepest sympathy to Kelly and her family at this difficult time.”

Nicola Adams

In 2020, former Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams became part of the historical first all-female coupling on Strictly when she partnered with Katya Jones.

However, the pair were axed after one week when Katya tested positive for Covid-19 and the strict protocols around the virus meant they had to withdraw from the competition.

In a statement, Nicola said: “Hey guys! I’m absolutely devastated my Strictly journey has come to an end so soon. I had so much more to give and so many people to win this for!

“But I just want to say a huge thank you to Katya for being the best dance partner anyone could ask for. She pushed me way out of my comfort zone and it’s been an incredible experience.

“I’m gutted to be out of the competition but in these unprecedented times and as frustrating as it is, the COVID measures in place are to keep everyone safe, and I’m doing what I can to help.”

Fans will find out the winner of Strictly 2021 on December 18.

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday night on BBC One

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk