Robert Webb withdraws from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing due to ill health

by 24britishtvOct. 13, 2021, 7 p.m. 119
-

Robert Webb and Dianne Buswell have left Strictly Come Dancing.

The comedian and his professional dancing partner will no longer be taking part in the BBC show due to his ill health, according to a statement.

Speaking previously, Webb had said his health problems motivated him to take part in the show however he said he had "bitten off way more than I could chew" having had open heart surgery just two years ago.

He had the surgery after discovering in 2019 that he was suffering from a heart murmur caused by a mitral valve prolapse.

In a statement, Robert Webb said: “I’m extremely sorry to have to announce that I’m withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing due to ill health.

"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 way 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.

"I’m proud of the three dances that Dianne Buswell and I managed to perform and deeply regret having to let her down like this. I couldn’t have wished for a more talented partner or more patient teacher, and it’s a measure of Dianne’s professionalism and kindness that I was able to get as far as I did.

"Thanks too to everyone at home who voted for us. It was always going to be a difficult mountain to climb (for one thing it’s made of glitter so it’s very skiddy) and I’ve been especially touched by the support from fellow heart patients. I think perhaps I was too eager to impress them.

"They will know that recovery doesn’t always go in a straight line, and I hope they’re not too disappointed that I ran into the limits of my resilience much sooner than I’d hoped.

"I leave knowing that Strictly viewers are in very safe hands and I’ll be cheering for my brother and sister contestants all the way to Christmas.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing: Who is set to leave after this weeks show?

READ MORE: What are previous BBC Strictly Come Dancing winners doing now?

"Despite this sad ending, it has been a genuine honour to be part of this huge, joyful and barking mad TV show. Long may it continue.”

Dianne Buswell said: “As a massive fan of Robert’s, I was delighted to find out that he was joining the Strictly family. On top of this, to find out he was my partner was the icing on the cake. We made a great team, worked hard and had a good laugh along the way. I am so proud of the three amazing dances we produced.

"I know Robert had a lot more to give to the competition but his health of course comes first and I wish him a speedy recovery. I feel lucky to have danced with him and to call him a friend.”

BBC issue statement on Robert Webb's withdrawal from Strictly Come Dancing

Sarah James, Strictly Come Dancing Executive Producer, said: “Although we are so sad that Robert has withdrawn from the show we completely understand and support his decision, health always comes first.

"Despite their Strictly journey coming to an end earlier than anyone would have hoped, Robert and Dianne really made their mark on the competition, with three unforgettable dances choreographed superbly by the brilliant Dianne.

"They have been a wonderful partnership and we’d like to thank them for the commitment, creativity and joy they brought to the show.

"Everyone involved in Strictly Come Dancing sends Robert their love and best wishes for his continued recovery.”

-

Related Articles

HOT TRENDS

A closer look: can right whales and offshore wind safely coexist?

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 2 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Angela Rayner insists she did nothing wrong over house sale

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 1 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Richarlison considered quitting football during post-World Cup depression

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 7 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Richarlison had dark thoughts after World Cup

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 2 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Gogglebox star George Gilbey has died aged 40

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, midnight2
HOT TRENDS

Households with washing machine told to stop using two temperatures

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 11 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Professor T review — Ben Miller’s jailed sleuth evokes Paddington 2

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 11 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Former England captain Houghton to retire

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 11 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Professor T, series 3, review: a show as awkward as Ben Miller’s sleuth

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 10 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Melanoma and the Wrong Site

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 9 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

STOXX Licenses First Crypto Blue Chip Index

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 9 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Jonathan Gullis's promotion shows just how finished the Tories are

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 8 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Bradley 'buzzing' with first NI goal in win over Scots

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 8 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

BNG social takes five year SSA euros to €6.75bn in Easter week

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 7 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

See why Alan Titchmarsh had his trousers censored while on North Korean TV

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 7 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

De Bruyne's wife stuns in high-split skirt on night out with fellow Wag

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 7 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Trump mocks ex-RNC chair Ronna McDaniel for being fired by NBC

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 6 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Gareth Southgate Hails Kobbie Mainoo’s Impact For England

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 6 p.m.2