Well, let me start by saying that I’ve been a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing for as long as I can remember. It’s been a part of my life for so many years, and I’ve had the privilege of being a judge on the show for quite some time. However, as much as I loved being a part of Strictly, there came a point where I had to make a difficult decision.
You see, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it turned the world upside down and changed everything, including the way we live our lives and work. One of the biggest challenges was traveling, especially for someone like me who was constantly on the go. The rules and regulations surrounding air travel became incredibly strict, and getting through the airport became a daunting task.
Now, combine that with the fact that Strictly Come Dancing is a live show, which requires me to be physically present in the UK for rehearsals and filming. The pandemic made it nearly impossible for me to juggle my commitments on both sides of the Atlantic. It was a logistical nightmare, and I found myself in a situation that was simply unsustainable.
Moreover, during this time, Dancing with the Stars, the US version of the show, made a significant move. It transitioned to Disney+, a major streaming platform. This was a game-changer for the show, and it meant that the dynamics of my role on Dancing with the Stars were shifting as well. It became apparent that my focus needed to be on the US version of the show, and that meant stepping away from Strictly Come Dancing.
Believe me when I say that this decision was not made lightly. Strictly has been a huge part of my life, and I have cherished every moment on that iconic dance floor. But sometimes, we have to make tough choices for the sake of our sanity and well-being. And in this case, the pandemic and the changes in the TV landscape forced me to reevaluate my priorities.
So, it is with a heavy heart that I made the decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing. It was not an easy choice, but it was necessary for me to adapt to the new reality we’re all facing. I will forever be grateful for the amazing memories and experiences I had on the show, and I will continue to support and cheer on the incredible talent that graces that dance floor.
The pandemic and the logistical challenges it brought, combined with the shift in the TV landscape, led me to leave Strictly Come Dancing. It was a difficult decision, but one that I had to make in order to navigate these unprecedented times.