Darcey Bussell has announced she is quitting as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. After seven series on the BBC’s flagship Saturday night dance show, Bussell is quick-stepping away from Britain’s glitziest judging panel “not because of any upset or disagreement” but to focus on her “many other commitments.” She said: “It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team. “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.” She added: “I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day.” Her replacement has not been announced, but the rest of the current judges – Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas – all look set to return. Strictly will be back on our screens in autumn, and Chris Evans is the only confirmed celebrity so far to be in the running for the coveted Glitterball trophy.<doc-sep>"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."<doc-sep>Get all the Strictly glitter and goss straight to your inbox with our Strictly Come Dancing newsletter Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Darcey Bussell has shocked fans by sensationally quitting Strictly Come Dancing. The judge is stepping away from the BBC show after seven series, and in a odd statement insisted it's got nothing to do with any 'upset or disagreement'. "It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team," she said. "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. "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." (Image: BBC) (Image: BBC) And despite her decision to quit, she said she's already hoping that one day she will be invited back. "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," she said. poll loading Are you sad to see Darcey go? 1000+ VOTES SO FAR Yes No Claudia Winkleman, one half of the show's presenting duo, was one of the first to share her sadness, tweeting, "We love you Darcey. You'll be so so missed. Xx." Echoing the sentiment, pro dancer Oti Mabuse added, "DarceyOfficial you will always be loved and appreciated thank you for being so elegant,funny, positive and encouraging to us. We will never forget you and making personally 4 years a memorable journey £damedarcey @bbcstrictly." (Image: BBC/Guy Levy) Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now 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.” Suzy Lamb, MD, Entertainment & Music, BBC Studios said: "We feel very fortunate to have had Darcey on the Strictly judging panel for seven glorious years. Her exceptional knowledge of dance and generous spirit have helped many a celebrity keep dancing. Darcey is much loved by the entire Strictly family and I know will be missed in both the ballroom and in sitting rooms across the country." Former principle ballerina Darcey joined the show in 2012, taking over from Alesha Dixon after she left to judge Britain's Got Talent. The one-time star of the Royal Ballet initially sat alongside Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli to deliver her weekly critiques. She is long-rumoured to have clashed with Len's replacement, Shirley Ballas - although both have gone to great lengths to deny it. (Image: WENN) "Of course I get on with Shirley. She's hysterical, she's got a great sense of humour, and I totally respect her amazing amount of knowledge. She's great to be with," Darcey insisted to the Telegraph last year. And head judge Shirley said that despite having backgrounds that are 'worlds apart', there is no ill-feeling. "I come from a housing estate, the under-privileged if you like, and she comes from privilege," she told Radio Times. "But her persona and lovely attitude work well with mine. I just want to cuddle her all the time."<doc-sep>
Darcey Bussell has announced she is stepping down as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing after seven years on the panel. The 49-year-old former ballerina said she has "enjoyed every minute" on the popular BBC show and insisted she isn't departing over "any upset or disagreement". "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. "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. "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: "I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all" Darcey was a guest judge on the programme in 2009 and joined the panel permanently in 2012. It is not known who will replace her alongside judges Shirley Ballas, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood. 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." Suzy Lamb, MD, entertainment and music, BBC Studios, said: "We feel very fortunate to have had Darcey on the Strictly judging panel for seven glorious years. "Her exceptional knowledge of dance and generous spirit have helped many a celebrity keep dancing. "Darcey is much loved by the entire Strictly family and I know will be missed in both the ballroom and in sitting rooms across the country." We love you Darcey. You'll be so so missed. Xx https://t.co/87jIpzFyHY — Claudia Winkleman (@ClaudiaWinkle) April 10, 2019 For more TV news, click here