Strictly Come Dancing 2016: Will Young ‘to lose £20,000 fee’ after quitting series

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have allegedly slashed Will Young’s pay cheque since his departure from the show.

The 37-year-old singer shocked Strictly fans by announcing that he had quit the BBC ballroom competition on Tuesday, citing “personal reasons.”

Copyright [BBC]

“Due to personal reasons, Will Young has decided to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing,” a spokesperson confirmed. “The show fully respects his decision and wishes him all the best for the future.”

However after resigning from the show via email, BBC bosses have reportedly decided to reduce his pay from a whopping £25,000 to just £5,000 after breaking his contract.

While some sources claimed that he left the show because of his crippling anxiety, it’s believed that producers think the singer walked because he didn’t think he could win, leaving former professional partner Karen Clifton “seething.”

Copyright [BBC]

“It became obvious that despite his huge dance background he was never going to be a contender because there are so many better celebs,” a show insider told The Sun (perhaps through gritted teeth).

“The few previous contestants to go have quit because they’re injured or a family member has died – not because they feel they can’t win.”

Following all of the speculation, Will decided to break his silence and speak out regarding some of the press stories surrounding his exit, insisting that he is “absolutely dandy.”

Copyright [Instagram/willyoungofficial]

He text BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Chris Evans on Wednesday, explaining: “Look, here’s the thing. I’m absolutely dandy, thanks. It’s all very undramatic really. I’ve done my statement and others can say what they want to say. I never read what they say anyhow.”

Hear, hear!

The BBC have confirmed that he will not be replaced by another celebrity contestant and the show will continue with an elimination this weekend.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One