Strictly Come Dancing: Will Young quits show over 'personal reasons'

'Unfortunately, I am leaving the show for personal reasons,' says the pop singer

Will Young on Strictly Come Dancing 2016 (BBC)

Will Young has announced he is quitting Strictly Come Dancing, citing that his departure is due to “personal reasons”.

In a statement, the pop star said: “To be a part of Strictly has been a long time ambition of mine. As a performer, a viewer, and a fan of the show, to dance as a contestant was an experience I always hoped for.

“I have made some great friends, and am in awe of their performances week in, week out. I have found a creative partnership with Karen that has been the most wonderful thing to experience.

“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.

“Unfortunately, I am leaving the show for personal reasons. 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.

“I am so grateful to everyone who works on Strictly from the lighting designer to catering to the production team. Strictly truly is the most unique family and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

“And finally thank you to the BBC for supporting me throughout my journey. I wish my compatriots so much luck, and although I am back to being a viewer again, I’m certainly going to ‘keeeep dancing’!”

Following Mr Young's exit, a BBC spokesman said in a statement: “Due to personal reasons, Will Young has decided to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing. The show fully respects his decision and wishes him all the best for the future.”

Meanwhile a spokesman for Strictly said the structure of the series would not be affected by the singer's exit, and that a celebrity would still be sent home this week.