Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell steps down after seven series

‘It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team,’ she says

It is not known who will replace Dame Darcey on the hit BBC show (PA)

Dame Darcey Bussell is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after seven years on the judging panel.

“It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team,” Dame Darcey said.

“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.”

She said that she is not leaving due to “any upset or disagreement at all”, but wants to focus on her “many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better”.

“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,” she added.

Dame Darcey was a guest judge on the programme in 2009 and joined the panel full-time in 2012. It is not known who will replace her on the hit show.

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.”

Additional reporting by agencies