Will Young will not be replaced on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 37-year-old singer threw the ballroom and latin show into chaos earlier this week when he announced he had quit the competition and, although many people hoped his dramatic departure meant Tameka Empson – who was eliminated last weekend – could return in his place, bosses of the programme are adamant no one will be re-joining the series.
A representative for ‘Strictly…’ squashed rumours and added to the Mirror Online: "The series will continue as planned with an elimination every week until the grand final. The previous eliminated contestants will not be returning to the competition."
The former ‘Pop Idol’ winner’s shock exit comes just two days after he locked horns with head judge Len Goodman over his Bollywood inspired Salsa routine on Saturday (08.10.16).
The 72-year-old ballroom dancer thought the energetic display lacked the traditional dance moves of a Salsa, to which Will argued that his routine contained all 24 counts needed.
However, Len had the last word as he told the ‘Leave Right Now’ hitmaker to "show up, keep up, and shut up."
Will’s departure has left his professional partner Karen Clifton "so sad" but she understands that he didn’t make the decision lightly and wishes him all the best for the future.
She wrote on Twitter: "I know it wasn’t an easy decision for him. It was great dancing with him, he was such fun to work with and I wish him all the very best for the future."
His now-former competitors also rallied around him as they said they were "gutted" he had been forced to leave the competition.
Daisy Lowe said: "@willyoung you are such a talented superstar… @bbcstrictly won’t be the same without you- I love you dearly and hope you’re alright. (sic)"
Danny Mac added: "We all fully support his decision and will miss him massively. All the best mate x. (sic)"
Laura Whitmore didn’t reference Will directly but hinted that his feud with Len may have been the reason he had quit.
She wrote: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."
Will has previously opened up about his "horrendous" battle with depression, for which he spent time in rehab.
Will Young won’t be replaced on Strictly Come Dancing
