Darcey Bussell finally reveals why she quit as Strictly Come Dancing judge

‘I want my daughters to remember me as a classical dancer and not just a judge’

Darcey Bussell has spoken out about leaving Strictly Come Dancing.

The former ballerina stepped down as a judge of the BBC series last month, saying there was no “upset or disagreement at all” between herself and the producers.

Instead, she said the decision was made as she has “many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better”.

Elaborating on stepping down for the first time, Bussell told The Sun: “It is not a decision that came easily at all. But I knew I had the most amazing time for seven years and it is like pushing your luck to think that I could even do another seven years.

“So I just knew it was time for me to finish and to give that place for somebody else to judge on that wonderful show.”

She added: “I do it for my daughters, as I want them to remember me as a classical dancer and not just a judge on Strictly.”

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.”