Strictly Come Dancing star Gleb Savchenko has revealed the real reason he quit the show - and it has nothing to do with the so-called 'Strictly curse'. The 32-year-old Russian dancer decided to leave so he could spend more time with his young daughter Olivia, he confirmed during an appearance on This Morning on Monday.
Appearing via video link from Australia with wife Elena by his side, Gleb admitted that he would miss the show but said his family were his main priority. "We spend a lot of time away from each other and it was really difficult for us, so I had to make a decision as a unit to be together as a whole family," he stated.
Gleb Savchenko has left Strictly to spend time with his family
"They were flying back and forth visiting me but it was really hard. Olivia is going to be starting school, she will be six in November. I want to be there for her, wake up with her every morning and cook her breakfast and take her to school."
The proud father-of-one also revealed that he and fellow dancer Elena were still deciding whether to settle down in Australia or LA, but said he had no plans to join the Strictly shows in either countries.
During their appearance on This Morning, the couple categorically denied reports that the 'Strictly curse' had affected Gleb's decision.
The 32-year-old pictured with his daughter Olivia
"No! Next week is our tenth anniversary and we've been doing TV for the past six years and we really trust each other. We work with different partners all the time." Elena insisted. "We love each other, and we'd never heard of the Strictly curse before."
Her husband agreed, adding: "If someone if looking for (romance), they'll find it. But if you focus on the work like I did with Anita (Rani), we rehearsed, and it was all about dancing."
He added: "Whoever is available for the feelings, they'll find it."