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'Strictly Come Dancing' Professional Natalie Lowe Quits After Seven Years

'My time on the programme has been everything that I dreamed it would be and more.'
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Entertainment Editor, HuffPost UK

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Natalie Lowe has announced her departure from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. 

The professional dancer has decided she will not appear on the upcoming series, after seven years on the BBC ballroom show. 

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Natalie Lowe is leaving 'Strictly Come Dancing'
PA Wire/PA Images

In a statement, Natalie admitted it had been a difficult decision, as she also thanked the ‘Strictly’ team. 

“This was a very difficult decision for me not to accept the invitation to appear on this season of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’,” she told PA (via The Mirror). 

“It is with a very heavy heart that I have arrived at this decision.

“I’ll be forever grateful for the amazing time, opportunities and memories that ‘Strictly’ has created for me. My time on the programme has been everything that I dreamed it would be and more.

“From the friendships I developed, the amazing dances I was able to perform in and the experiences that ‘Strictly’ provided, it has been an incredible and extraordinary adventure.”

A ‘Strictly’ spokesperson also added to HuffPost UK: “Everyone at ‘Strictly’ wishes Natalie the best.” 

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Natalie partnered Greg Rutherford last year
Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment

Natalie partnered Olympian Greg Rutherford on last year’s ‘Strictly’, and has also danced with Ainsley Harriot, Ricky Whittle and Scott Maslen. 

She joined the show back in its seventh series in 2009, having previously been a professional on the Australian version, which she won in 2006 with AFL footballer Anthony Koutoufides.

‘Strictly’ bosses are yet to confirm Natalie’s replacement, with the full line-up of professional dancers not expected to be announced until later this year. 

Producers are currently on the hunt for a new Head Judge, after Len Goodman stepped down from the panel at the end of the last series. 

However, it seems like their search could nearly be over, as reports have suggested one person is very close to landing the job. 

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ returns to BBC One this autumn. 

'Strictly Come Dancing' 2017: All The Rumoured Contestants
Brian Conley(01 of15)
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Just hours after Mollie was confirmed, fresh reports suggested that Brian had "signed up" to be this year's comedy contestant. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Paula Radcliffe(02 of15)
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'Strictly' bosses are said to be "desperate" to sign up the record-breaking runner for the new series, with reports suggesting she's now mulling over whether or not to take part.

An insider told The Sun: "Paula is a massive fan of the show, but has not yet made a decision about their offer either way." (credit:Joseph Okpako via Getty Images)
Frank Lampard(03 of15)
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His wife, Christine Bleakley, took part in the sixth series way back in 2008, and almost a decade on, it seems it could be Frank's turn.

According to The Sun, the footballer "ticks all of producers' boxes", and his numerous appearances on sports-based panel shows have convinced bosses that 'Strictly' would be the right move for him. (credit:Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA via Getty Images)
Tommy Cannon(04 of15)
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One half of veteran comedy duo Cannon and Ball, Tommy would be the oldest contestant in 'Strictly' history if he were to sign up for the show.

According to The Sun, bosses are hoping they can get Tommy to be this year's "golden oldie", with a source suggesting: "There have been no formal discussions yet, but it’s clear that he would be up for it." (credit:Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)
Alexandra Burke(05 of15)
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Having triumphed in 'The X Factor' almost a decade ago, an insider told The Sun that the 'Broken Heels' singer was keen to use rival show 'Strictly' to "relaunch her TV career". (credit:rune hellestad via Getty Images)
Joe Wicks(06 of15)
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Similarly, the Body Coach confirmed that he'd been approached to appear on 'Strictly Come Dancing', but said his involvement was dependent on scheduling.

He told The Sun: "I’m so busy so I’m trying to clear up the time. We’ll see but I have my fingers crossed that I can make it work.” (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
Ellie Simmonds(07 of15)
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The first star to be named as a potential candidate, Ellie was rumoured for this year's series before last year's winner had even been announced.

The Sun suggested the Paralympic swimmer had been given a special invitation to the studio "to get a feel for the show", as Anastacia was in 2014, before eventually being confirmed for the line-up a year later.

Watch this space, we say. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Steph and Dom Parker(08 of15)
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The potential 'Strictly' double act we're most excited about, though, is Steph and Dom from 'Gogglebox'.

Following the success of Scarlett Moffatt in 'I'm A Celebrity', it's been claimed that producers are eyeing both halves of the telly-loving couple to appear on 'Strictly' this year.

A source told The Sun: "They’re great characters and everyone loves watching them just when they’re sat on their sofa.

“Dom has the potential to provide great routines like Ed [Balls] did and Steph would be fantastic going up against the judges." (credit:Joanne Davidson / Silverhub/REX/Shutterstock)
Rita Simons(09 of15)
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Following her shocking 'EastEnders' departure at the end of last year, the former Roxie Mitchell star is reportedly in the running to return to the BBC as a cast member on 'Strictly'... (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
Samantha Womack(10 of15)
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...but she won't be on her own.

Yes, her on-screen sister is also thought to be on bosses' wishlist, with The Sun claiming they could both be making an appearance.

A source told the newspaper: “It’s fair to say that people are keen to sign at least one of them and if at all possible both of the girls for the new series." (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
Matt Goss(11 of15)
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He already had success in the 'Strictly' Christmas special in 2013, but after performing on the show last year, The Sun has claimed that Bros singer Matt has agreed to join the 2017 line-up. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Angela Scanlon(12 of15)
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Thanks to 'The One Show' and 'Robot Wars', Angela's presenting career has gone from strength to strength in recent times, and if rumours are to be believed, she'll be winning herself a legion of new supporters on this year's 'Strictly'. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Tim Peake(13 of15)
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The astronaut was said to be a hot favourite for the show shortly before the 2016 line-up was revealed, though he was swiftly ruled out due to a rehabilitation programme which meant he was re-learning how to walk again.

Could 2017 be his year? (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Olly Murs(14 of15)
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Former 'X Factor' host Olly Murs was a surprise addition to the 'Strictly' rumours list earlier this year, when it was suggested he'd signed up as a way of bouncing back from a break-up.

However, he was quick to insist that this was not the case, speaking out about the rumours on his Twitter page. (credit:Simon Hofmann via Getty Images)
Shaun Ryder(15 of15)
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While we're sure the Happy Mondays singer would provide amazing entertainment value on 'Strictly', he's already told bosses where to go after they approached him to take part.

He said: "You go on and you dance like a twat, right? And then you stand there while some c*** tells you how bad you are and what a wanker you are." (credit:Burak Cingi via Getty Images)
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