Strictly stars who quit show – ‘joke too far’, tragic death and ‘hated it’

October 29, 2023

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BBC's hit show Strictly Come Dancing has become one of the most sought-after celebrity bookings, with stars across the globe wanting to take part.

Giving famous faces the opportunity to increase their exposure while learning a new skill, the popular dance show has been known to catapult contestants to a new level of stardom. But despite the known benefits, not every celebrity participant has the same experience.

During this year's competition, fans were left stunned when Amanda Abbington decided to quit the show prematurely. Providing insight into her departure, the actress said she could no longer commit due to "personal reasons" but a source previously told Daily Star that she may have been "fed up" with the process.

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READ MORE: Want more TV? Daily Star has just the thing for you!

With Amanda taking an early bow, Daily Star has taken a look at the stars that also quit the BBC show. As well as the reason for their early departure.

Will Young

Pop Idol winner Will Young had the nation behind him when he joined the show in 2016. But shockingly, the singer decided to leave the competition after three weeks.

At the time of his departure, Will said he left due to "personal reasons". However, he later disclosed that his mental health was suffering while taking part.

Speaking candidly on Bryony Gordon’s Mad World podcast, Will said: "I was really ill. I was dragging myself to rehearsals. I just couldn’t do it any more."

"It was so bad I thought – I’m not joking – I thought about breaking my leg. I decided to take on Strictly because I bloody love dancing. And I bloody hated it [in the end], because I was so ill."

But in addition to his health, reports also claimed that Will was not getting on with his dance partner Karen Hauer. Will previously confessed: "Karen is working me really hard. I thought we would do five minutes, have a coffee break, go shopping."

John Sergeant

Back in 2008, journalist John Sergeant quickly became a fan-favourite with his hilarious routines and lack of dance skills. Although he wasn't a great dancer, viewers kept him in the competition for his entertainment value.

But when he made it to week 10 in the competition, John thought enough was enough and decided to self-eliminate. John described his experience as "enjoyable" but added: "If the joke wears thin, if in fact people begin to take it very seriously, and if people really are getting so wound up that it’s very difficult to carry off the joke, then I think it is time to go.

"It’s like when you decide when you leave a party, and the time to leave a party is before the fight starts. And I think that’s really what’s happened on this occasion."

Kelly Brook

Model and actress Kelly Brook was another fan favourite in 2007 and was a strong contender in the show. Partnered with former Strictly professional Brendan Cole, things looked promising.

But Kelly cut her experience short eight weeks into the competition when her father lost his battle with cancer. Kelly tried her best to continue the show in her dad's memory but found the process "too difficult".

Shining light on her situation at the time, a spokesperson said Kelly will be "sorely missed". They said: "Kelly has been a fantastic part of the programme and will be sorely missed by everyone on the show."

AJ Odudu

Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu was riding high in the competition in 2021 and landed herself in the final. But things took a devastating turn for the star when a foot injury forced her to pull out days before the last show.

Although she tried her best to get back on her feet, it was to no avail. In a statement, she said: "I’m deeply upset that I am unable to perform in the final due to a torn ligament in my right ankle.

"Learning to dance over the last 13 weeks has been an incredible honour and to do it alongside someone as special, patient and devoted as Kai is something I’ll treasure forever,” she added, referencing her professional dance partner, Kai Widdrington.

"Thank you to the Strictly family for the experience, the medical team for trying to get me back on my feet and mostly, to everyone at home for watching and supporting. You’ve made this experience one to remember."

Jimmy Tarbuck

Comedian Jimmy Tarbuck was forced to leave the fourth series of Strictly in 2006 on doctor's orders. After making it through to the second week of the competition with partner Flavia Cacace, he was "devastated" when his health forced him to bow out early.

He said at the time: "I would like to thank my wonderful partner Flavia who has taught me so much and been patient in trying to turn this old cart-horse into a proper dancer. I will really miss training with her.”

Nicola Adams

In 2020, boxing star Nicola Adams made history on the show when she became one of the first contestants to dance in a same-sex couple. Partnered with professional Katya Jones, things looked positive for the pair.

However, as Covid-19 swept the nation, Katya unfortunately contracted the virus. With things looking bleak both Nicola and Katya had to step down.

However the pair were given another chance to shine. During the final, the pair showcased their dance skills with a stunning routine.

Robert Webb

Comedian Robert Webb was also forced to withdraw from the show early under medical grounds. Sharing the reason for his departure from the series in 2021, the Peep Show star said he thought he would be fit enough to compete.

In a statement he said: "Two years ago I had open heart surgery and although I believed I was fit enough to take on Strictly and its demanding schedule, it became clear that I had bitten off more than I could chew for this stage in my recovery.

"I had begun to feel symptoms that led me to seek an urgent consultation with my heart specialist, and it was her view that it would be better for the sake of my health to step back from the show."

But after he left the programme, Robert described Strictly as "brutal" and said "it is an absolutely weird show". He also told The Sun that he found it hard being "nice" for long hours with cameras constantly everywhere.

Robert was invited back for the series finale but declined the offer. However he insisted that he had "no bad feeling towards the show".

Will Bayley

In 2019, disaster struck for Paralympian Will Bayley when he acquired a knee injury forcing to leave the show prematurely.

At the time, Will said he was "gutted" at having to leave, saying: "I’ve loved being part of the show and am so grateful for the phenomenal support we have received.

"I want to say a special thank you to Janette [Manrara, his professional partner], for believing in me, and giving me the confidence to believe in myself. The things we achieved, from our Couple’s Choice dance, through to our lifts in our Salsa, will stay with me forever. I’ve had the time of my life."

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