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Strictly Come Dancing 2016: Fellow contestants react to Will Young quitting for 'personal reasons'

Karen Clifton said: 'I know it wasn't an easy decision for him'

Jack Shepherd
Wednesday 12 October 2016 04:00 EDT
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Will Young quits Strictly for 'personal reasons'

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Following Will Young’s departure from Strictly Come Dancing due to “personal reasons”, various contestants have expressed their sadness and concern for the singer.

Dancing partner Karen Clifton was one of the first people to publicly speak about the event, writing on Twitter: "I'm so sad that Will has decided to quit the show and I know it wasn't an easy decision for him.

“It was great dancing with him, he was such fun to work with and I wish him all the very best for the future."

Hollyoaks star Danny Mac also used the social media platform to express how “gutted” he was, adding: "We all fully support his decision and will miss him massively. All the best mate”

Daisy Lowe later wrote: “Will Young, you are such a talented superstar... Strictly won't be the same without you- I love you dearly and hope you're alright.

Laura Whitmore, Lesley Joseph, Melvin Odoom, Natalie Lowe, and Janette Manrara also wrote on Twitter, while judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli have not commented on the departure, nor have hosts Claudia Winkelman and Tess Daly.

In his leaving statement, Young said: “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.”

Rumours began to circulate that his departure may have been linked to an on-screen row with Goodman, something that has been denied by sources at the show.

A BBC spokesperson said: "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, fans have been calling for Tameka Empson to return to the show having been voted out last weekend.

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