Pop star turned actor Will Young – who was born in Wokingham – has quit the BBC TV dance show Strictly Come Dancing.
Will decided to leave for personal reasons.
In a statement he said that being on the show had fulfilled an ambition of his and he leaves with “joy in my heart”.
Mr Young has been a viewer favourite of the show, which has been attracting audiences of around 10million viewers, making it the most watched show on British television after The Great British Bake Off.
He has been dancing with Karen Clifton, who previously partnered Hexagon panto star Dave Myers.
In Saturday’s show, the pair danced a Salsa to Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny), while previous dances have included a Viennese Waltz to Say Something by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera and a jive to Rock Around The Clock.
Will Young thanks Karen and the caterers
Mr Young said, in a statement on his website: “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’!”
A BBC spokesperson said: “The show fully respects his decision and wishes him all the best for the future.”
