Darcey Bussell QUITS Strictly Come Dancing 'after seven truly wonderful years' | London Evening Standard

Darcey Bussell QUITS Strictly Come Dancing 'after seven truly wonderful years'The former ballet dancer is leaving to focus on other dance commitments 

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Darcey Bussell has stepped down as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing after seven years.

The former ballet dancer, 49, was quick to shut down any talk of upset, citing the reason for her departure as a desire “to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance”.

She described working on the show as a “complete privilege” and said she hopes to be invited back in the future.

A statement announcing the news read: “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.

End of an era: Darcey Bussell has quit after seven yearsBBC

“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.”

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She continued: “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.”

Bussell first joined the BBC ballroom show as a fifth judge in the final stages of the 2009 series before returning as a permanent fixture in 2012, replacing Alesha Dixon.

Strictly host Claudia Winkleman was among the first to share the news, tweeting: “We love you Darcey. You'll be so so missed. Xx.”

Over: Darcey Bussell with her fellow judges BBC

The news comes weeks after professional dancer Pasha Kovalev announced his departure after eight “incredible” years, in which time he reached four finals and lifted one glitterball.

Kovalev, who met his partner Rachel Riley on the show in 2013, said he was stepping down to “find a new challenge”.