Strictly bosses deny ‘editing’ Will Young out of the final show
Viewers accused the show of deliberately editing Will out
Strictly Come Dancing bosses were criticised by viewers earlier in the week when former contestant Will Young was noticeably missing from the final.
The final brought a shock victory for sports presenter Ore Oduba after he beat off competition from favourite Danny Mac and former 90’s pop star Louise Redknapp but it was Will’s absence that was mostly talked about.
Will, who made the decision to leave the show earlier in the series, wasn’t involved in the final night celebrations and also didn’t feature on any of the show’s ‘best bits’ videos.
Will Young | © Getty Images
Viewers were quick to notice his absence…
Now Strictly bosses have hit back at the claims admitting it was Will’s choice not to return for the final. Speaking to Digital Spy they said, “Will wasn’t edited out. “He was featured in the opening sequence, the title sequence and the vox pops sequence.”
The former Pop Idol winner revealed he had quit the show back in October when he admitted he would ‘leave with joy in his heart’ and praised his professional dancing partner Karen Clifton.
Karen Clifton and Will Young | © BBC
In a statement released by Will, he said the following: "To be a part of Strictly has been a long-time ambition of mine. As a performer, a viewer, and a fan of the show, to dance as a contestant was an experience I always hoped for.
"I have made some great friends, and am in awe of their performances week in, week out. I have found a creative partnership with Karen that has been the most wonderful thing to experience.
"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."
Just a few days later it was reported that show bosses were ‘punishing’ Will for leaving the show early by cutting his appearance fee.
According to reports the ‘Leave Right Now’ singer received just £5,000 of his original agreed £25,000 fee after quitting the show just three weeks in.
The main series of Strictly Come Dancing is over for another year but don’t panic a brand new Christmas special will hit our TV screens on Christmas day.
© BBC
The likes of KISS FM presenter Melvin ODoom, The Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge, Pamela Stephenson, Ainsley Harriott and Gethin Jones will all be making a return to the ballroom to battle it out for the Christmas glitter ball.
The Strictly Christmas special will air on TV at 6.45 on December 25th.