Strictly Come Dancing dropouts: Jamie Laing and 5 other stars who quit BBC show

The BBC contest has been on screens since 2004 and has aired 17 seasons so far.

While most of the series’ have gone off without any major incidences, a few have been victim to celebrities parting from the show prematurely.

There have been a variety of reasons why come stars have had to, or chosen, to leave Strictly Come Dancing.

So, who are the famous faces along with Jamie that have quit the competition?

Jimmy Tarbuck

The first person to withdraw from the contest was Jimmy Tarbuck in the fourth season.

The comedian quit the programme due to health reasons following a doctor’s assessment.

He said at the time: “I’m absolutely devastated that I can no longer take part in Strictly Come Dancing.

“I really wanted to dance on the show this week but I have to take the advice of the doctors who have told me I need to rest.”

Kelly Brook

Kelly parted with the show after her father Kenneth died while the competition was underway.

Although she bravely tried to continue as a contestant, after less than a week she called it quits to spend more time with her family.

Jimmy Tarbuck Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing: Jimmy Tarbuck suffered health concerns (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing dropouts

Strictly Come Dancing: Six celebrities have quit the show over the years (Image: BBC • GETTY)

A statement from the BBC in 2007 read: “Understandably she has found it too difficult.

“Kelly has been a fantastic part of the programme, and she will be sorely missed by everyone on the show who would also like to express their deepest sympathy to Kelly and her family at this difficult time.”

At the time, Kelly was one of the last six contestants left in competition.

John Sergeant

The broadcaster split from the programme under some rather unique circumstances.

Despite receiving consistent low scores from the judges, the public kept voting to keep John in the show.

He eventually withdrew from the competition, saying: “The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition.

John Sergeant Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing: John Sergeant dropped out because of fears that he’d win (Image: BBC)

Jade Johnson Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing: Jade Johnson suffered a knee injury (Image: BBC)

That would be a joke too far

John Sergeant

“Even for me that would be a joke too far.”

But he did perform a farewell dance in week 10 before his departure alongside professional partner Kristina Rihanoff.

Jade Johnson

Jade was another star that was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Back in 2009, the Olympian suffered damage to a knee ligament leaving her unfit to dance.

The injury went on to effect her sporting career as it meant she wasn’t able to take part in the 2012 London Olympics.

She said in 2012: “I thought the show injury had healed and I was ready to compete.

Kelly Brook Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing: Kelly Brook left after her father died (Image: BBC)

Will Young Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing: Will Young quit for personal reasons (Image: BBC)

“Sadly it flared up just before the trials and made it impossible to get through them.”

Will Young

The details of the pop star’s departure from the show in 2016 aren’t entirely clear as he cited “personal reasons” for his exit.

With fairly decent scores, Will could’ve been in with a shot of winning the Glittball trophy but parted ways after three weeks.

He said: ”To be a part of Strictly has been a long time ambition of mine.

“I have found a creative partnership with Karen that has been the most wonderful thing to experience.

Jamie Laing Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing: Jamie Laing had to withdraw over his injury (Image: GETTY)

“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.”

Jamie Laing

Jamie is the most recent star to withdraw from the competition but unique in the fact that he is the only one to have done so before the show’s even properly started.

The Made in Chelsea star sustained an injury to his foot whilst filming the launch show, leaving him unable to compete.

“I’m absolutely devastated that I’m unable to continue in the competition,” Jamie said in a statement.

“I was so excited to hit the dance floor. I would like to wish the lovely couples all the very best and hope they enjoy their time on the show to the fullest.”

He has since been replaced with Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher.

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 7pm on BBC One.

source: express.co.uk