Entertainment
Dame Darcey Bussell would love Strictly Come Dancing return – two years after announcing exit
Dame Darcey Bussell would love a Strictly Come Dancing return – but only as a guest judge.
The 52-year-old left the panel in 2019, after seven years on the BBC show, and was replaced by Motsi Mabuse.
Appearing on the Jonathan Ross Show, talk turned to her time on the series, when she told the host: ‘It was a big thing for a ballet dancer. It was fabulous, I had seven years. I miss that – it’s like being part of a company again.’
Questioned on whether she would make a surprise comeback to the panel, Dame Darcey continued: ‘Not permanently, it would be lovely to be a guest judge or something.
‘I’ve had lots of other jobs and I’ve really enjoyed all of the different things I do. It was a great commitment. The nice thing was it really celebrated dance in a great way.
‘It was great for the ballet world to have a judge as a ballerina.’
Motsi joined the show in 2019, alongside judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.
Dame Darcey revealed her departure from the BBC series in a lengthy statement, insisting that there was no ‘upset’ that led to her decision – but that she was hoping to focus on other projects.
‘It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team,’ she said at the time.
‘I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire backstage 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.’
Over to you, Strictly bosses…
The Jonathan Ross Show airs on Saturday, at 9.35pm, on ITV.
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