'Strictly Come Dancing': Karen Clifton Claims Will Young's Exit Was 'Unexpected'

’Strictly Come Dancing’ professional Karen Clifton has opened up about Will Young’s decision to quit the show.

The pro-dancer, who was partnered with the singer on the BBC ballroom competition, has claimed his exit was “unexpected”.

Speaking to the Daily Express, Karen said: “I’ve spoken to him a couple of times and we text. He’s doing well. It’s unexpected and it’s sad but it’s just the way it is.

“We had the best time, I love him to pieces and we had three amazing weeks on ‘Strictly’ that I’m going to remember always.

“He was a hard worker, he always came in and gave 150 per cent. I couldn’t ask for a better student,” she added.

Will announced he was pulling out of the show earlier this month, citing “personal reasons”.

While various claims have been made about his decision, he has not offered any further comment on the matter.

Karen also insisted she would still be a part of the current series of ‘Strictly’ despite not having a dance partner, saying: “I’m going to be on ‘It Takes Two’ and possibly Children in Need. My husband Kevin and I have a tour coming up in 2017 and I’m staying in shape as much as I possibly can. I’m just staying positive.”

Karen’s fellow professional Brendan Cole previously defended her in the wake of Will’s exit, after various media outlets suggested she’d rowed with him.

He wrote in his Digital Spy column: “What really disappoints me is that the media will use Karen as the scapegoat and say he was being pushed too hard by her.

“That’s what I read last week and I was very disappointed to see that because obviously he’s going through some stuff in his own personal life and he didn’t really want to be in the show – it’s a big show and it takes over your whole life.

“Karen’s such a phenomenal teacher and she’s extremely easy-going and I think they got along fantastically. Certainly on set they were hanging out all the time, they were laughing and joking.”

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ continues on Saturday (22 October) at 6.35pm on BBC One.