strictly shock exit© Photo: Getty Images

Strictly star shocks fans with surprise exit after ten years: 'I will miss you all'

Fans were not expecting this!

US Managing Editor
May 17, 2021

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left surprised on Monday evening following the news that a much-loved member of the show was leaving.

MORE: Darcey Bussell reveals why she really left Strictly

After ten years, It Takes Two host Zoe Ball announced in a statement that she would be "waltzing away" from the popular BBC2 show.

Alongside a group photo of herself with members of the Strictly gang, the mother-of-two wrote: "Dance lovers, after 10 joyous years I am waltzing away from It Takes Two.

VIDEO: Zoe Ball steals the show on It Takes Two

"As a massive @bbcstrictly fan I have loved spending my Autumn teatimes with the celebrity dancers, the gorgeous & awesome pro dancers, the judges, my girl Vicky Gill, Rylan, Gethin & of course my main man Ian Waite.

"Time now for some new cha cha challenges.

MORE: Zoe Ball shares glimpse inside incredible garden at family home

MORE: Zoe Ball shares heartbreaking news with fans

"I will continue to support the Strictly family on the Breakfast Show & can’t wait to watch the Class Of 2021 from my sofa.

Zoe Ball revealed she was leaving It Takes Two

"Huge love & grateful thanks to Tess & Claude & the whole Strictly clan, the ITT fans, my Glam Squad, Eve Winstanley, Alex McLeod, the BBC2 gang, & of course the best telly crew ever.

"I will miss you all immensely. As Iveta would say “Friends for the life".

READ: Zoe Ball drives fans wild with photo of her boyfriend Michael Reed

READ: Zoe Ball shares breathtaking peek at her garden in heartbreaking message

Former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton was one of the first to react, writing: "It Takes Two was always my favourite bit. I loved chatting and bein silly with u on the sofa.

"Thank you for being so kind , generous and supportive with all of us. You’re the best."

zoe ball leaving strictly

Zoe has hosted It Takes Two for ten years

Janette Manrara added: "Oh @zoetheball!! I looked forward to our chats on that couch more then any other part of the week!

"You really are a diamond of a human being and deserve all of the wonderful things that are coming your way! Although you’ll be missed, it’s not “goodbye”, it’s more of a “see ya around"! Love you!"

Stacey Dooley replied: "My god. A legend is leaving the building. The kindest woman in tele. We love you Zoeee."

Gorka Marquez commented: "We're gonna miss you so much," while Gaby Roslin responded with a series of kissing emojis and love heart emojis.

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