Peep Show star David Mitchell has silenced fans' calls for him to take Robert Webb’s place in Strictly Come Dancing after the actor pulled out due to ill health.
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Responding to the news of Robert’s exit from the show, David wrote on Twitter: "This is sad! They did some really brilliant dancing, I thought. Sorry there won't be more.
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"And to those asking if I'll be stepping in to replace him: I'm afraid not. I prefer to dance like nobody's watching. And I can only do that if nobody's watching."
Dianne Buswell was quick to respond to the tweet, writing: "You know I would be more than happy to teach you a tango."
This comes after fans called for David to replace his Peep Show co-star and long-time friend on the show. One Twitter user wrote: "Sad news that Robert Webb is leaving. What are the rules on David Mitchell stepping in?"
MORE: Joe Sugg breaks silence following Dianne Buswell and Robert Webb's sad exit from Strictly
MORE: Dianne Buswell speaks out as partner Robert Webb quits Strictly
Another person added: "What a shame, Rob - wishing you all the best! On another note, just like the best man at a wedding, isn't it David Mitchell’s job to take over now?"
© Photo: Getty ImagesDavid and Robert played flatmates in the sitcom Peep Show
Robert was forced to withdraw from the show for the sake of his health, after undergoing open-heart surgery two years ago.
In an official statement to the BBC, Robert said: "I’m extremely sorry to have to announce that I’m withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing due to ill health. Two years ago I had open-heart surgery and although I believed I was fit enough to take on Strictly and its demanding schedule, it became clear that I had bitten off way more than I could chew for this stage in my recovery.
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"I’m proud of the three dances that Dianne Buswell and I managed to perform and deeply regret having to let her down like this. I couldn’t have wished for a more talented partner or more patient teacher, and it’s a measure of Dianne’s professionalism and kindness that I was able to get as far as I did."
Robert has had to leave the show due to ill health
Taking to Instagram, Dianne wrote: "Sadly the legacy of Buswell and Webb has come to an end. Even though this was short-lived, I have had such an amazing time dancing and working alongside Robert from our wacky cha cha to that serious tango, Robert showed he could do it all."
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