Strictly Come Dancing star dramatically quit over fears of 'dying' during show

Robert Webb sensationally quit Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 after realising he had 'bitten off more than he could chew' and was at risk of 'dying' during the show

In a twist that left fans reeling, Robert Webb dramatically exited Strictly Come Dancing back in 2021. The much-loved comedian and actor, then aged 49, cited health concerns as the reason for his withdrawal from the fan-favourite BBC competition, reports OK!.

A mere two years after undergoing lifesaving open heart surgery, Robert admitted he had underestimated the challenge, conceding he'd "bitten off more than he could chew". His heartfelt statement, read out on the Strictly companion show It Takes Two, outlined his reasons, saying: "I'm extremely sorry to have to announce that I'm withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing due to ill health. Two years ago I had open heart surgery and although I believed I was fit enough to take on Strictly and its demanding schedule, it became clear that I had bitten off way more than I could chew for this stage in my recovery. I had begun to feel symptoms that led me to seek an urgent consultation with my heart specialist, and it was her view that it would be better for the sake of my health to step back from the show."

Robert expressed deep regret over the decision, especially for letting down his professional dancing partner, saying: "I'm proud of the three dances that Dianne Buswell and I managed to perform and deeply regret having to let her down like this. I couldn't have wished for a more talented partner or more patient teacher, and it's a measure of Dianne's professionalism and kindness that I was able to get as far as I did."

He wrapped up his announcement by thanking those who had supported him, with a special mention to fellow heart patients, stating: "Thanks too to everyone at home who voted for us. It was always going to be a difficult mountain to climb (for one thing it's made of glitter so it's very skiddy) and I've been especially touched by the support from fellow heart patients."

He also reflected, "I think perhaps I was too eager to impress them. They will know that recovery doesn't always go in a straight line, and I hope they're not too disappointed that I ran into the limits of my resilience much sooner than I'd hoped."

And he continued with heartfelt gratitude, saying: "I leave knowing that Strictly viewers are in very safe hands and I'll be cheering for my brother and sister contestants all the way to Christmas. Despite this sad ending, it has been a genuine honour to be part of this huge, joyful and barking mad TV show. Long may it continue."

His dance partner, Dianne, praised Robert at the time, wishing him a 'speedy recovery' and saying she was lucky to 'call him a friend'. The pair danced together in the programme for three weeks which included a tango and a quickstep to the Muppet Show theme tune where they scored 25 out of a possible 40.

Dianne reminisced about their time together, saying: "As a massive fan of Robert's I was delighted to find out that he was joining the Strictly family. On top of this, to find out he was my partner was the icing on the cake. We made a great team, worked hard and had a good laugh along the way. I am so proud of the three amazing dances we produced."

She added, "I know Robert had a lot more to give to the competition but his health of course comes first and I wish him a speedy recovery. I feel lucky to have danced with him and to call him a friend."

Sarah James, the Executive Producer of Strictly Come Dancing, expressed her understanding and support for Robert's decision to leave the show, stating: "Although we are so sad that Robert has withdrawn from the show we completely understand and support his decision, health always comes first."