Entertainment
Strictly Come Dancing star quits to focus on ‘exciting future projects’-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro
The lineup was revealed this week.
Cameron Lombard wants to focus on other projects (Picture: PA)
Strictly Come Dancing star Cameron Lombard has revealed he’s leaving the show to pursue other ‘exciting’ projects.
The South African dancer waltzed onto the BBC’s Latin and ballroom series in 2021 and was featured regularly in the ensemble routines as well as the live tour and Christmas special.
However, with the pros lineup revealed for the upcoming series, Cameron has confirmed he won’t be returning to the dancefloor later this year.
Taking to Instagram, he said ‘the last two years have been a blast’, while thanking the Strictly team ‘for the life changing opportunity and for the best experience any one could wish for’.
He continued: ‘[I] will forever be grateful and I’ve loved every minute, danced on the worlds biggest stages, met the worlds best fans, performed for thousands of people as well as millions watching around the world and have made friends for life that I’ll cherish forever.
‘I can’t wait to share with you some exciting future projects and plans ❤️ See you in the movies.’
Cameron danced with Jowita Przystal in 2021 (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
In a statement, a Strictly spokesperson said: ‘Cameron is a fantastic performer and we have loved working with him for the past two years on Strictly.
‘He is currently pursuing other opportunities but will always be part of the family and our door will always be open to him in the future.’
His former co-stars have been quick to praise him after the announcement, with the likes of Gorka Marquez, Johannes Radebe, Clara Amfo and Amy Dowden replying on Instagram with heart emojis.
He joined the lineup of pros in 2021 but was without a celebrity partner last year (Picture: BBC/PA Wire)
‘All the LOVE my friend,’ replied Aljaz Skorjanec, while judge Motsi Mabuse added: ‘All the best dear!!! You know where to call ❤️’
‘Always love for you bro,’ wrote Neil Jones, as singer Fleur East – who was a runner up on the show last year – promised: ‘I’ll be watching 🙌❤️❤️’
BBC broadcaster Richie Anderson – who was part of the 2022 celebrity lineup with Fleur – commented: ‘Cameron you are a gentleman ❤️ wishing you all the best 🌟 xxx’
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The 2023 lineup was released this week, with Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer all returning.
They will be back alongside Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, and Nikita Kuzmin, while Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vita Coppola complete the field.
Strictly Come Dancing is returning to BBC1 later this year.
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