Dame Darcey Bussell has stepped down from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 49-year-old retired ballerina has quit the BBC One Latin and ballroom show after seven series, but insisted she isn’t departing the programme due to "any upset or disagreement" and simply wants to focus on her "many other commitments in dance".
Darcey – who became a full-time judge on the show’s 10th series in 2012 – said in a statement: "It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of ‘Strictly’, working with such a talented team.
"I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire back stage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive.
"I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all, I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better."
While Darcey will not be a judge for ‘Strictly’ 2019, she hopes to be asked back on the show at some point.
She said: "I know I will miss being part of this unique show and the fact that it celebrates dance is something I am so passionate about. I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day."
Charlotte Moore, director of BBC content, said: "It has been an absolute honour to have Darcey, a national treasure and British dance icon, bring her passion for dance and her graceful presence to the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judging panel for seven consecutive years.
"She will be thoroughly missed by us all and will of course remain part of the ‘Strictly’ family in the future."
Darcey’s news comes after Shirley Ballas took over from former head judge Len Goodman in September 2017.
Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood, who have been on the show since its first series in 2004, complete the current judging panel.
Darcey Bussell quits Strictly Come Dancing
