Comedian Robert Webb has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing after his heart specialist advised him to pull out of the series. The 49-year-old, who had open heart surgery two years ago, experienced symptoms that prompted an urgent consultation.
Webb said he was “extremely sorry” to leave the competition, adding: “It became clear that I had bitten off way more than I could chew for this stage in my recovery.” He thanked his dance partner Dianne Buswell and voters, particularly fellow heart patients, noting that “recovery doesn’t always go in a straight line”.
Buswell said Webb’s health “of course comes first” and that she felt “lucky to have danced with him and to call him a friend”. The pair had performed three dances together, most recently a quickstep to The Muppet Show theme during Movie Week, scoring 25 points.
A Strictly spokeswoman confirmed the show would continue as normal this weekend. Executive producer Sarah James thanked the pair for their “commitment, creativity and joy” and sent “love and best wishes for his continued recovery”.
