Strictly Come Dancing's Robert Webb Has Announced His Retirement Due To Health Concerns.

He said he had an urgent consultation with his cardiologist after experiencing symptoms, and he advised him to stop the series. A spokeswoman said it was clear that BBC One programming would continue as usual this weekend despite Webb's departure. Webb, 49, said he was "deeply sorry" for leaving the race, adding, "It became clear that for this stage of my recovery I had bitten off more than I could chew."

"I am proud of the three dances that Diane Buswell and I performed, and we are very sorry to have let her down like this," he said. "I couldn't have asked for a more talented partner or teacher, and this is a measure of Diane's professionalism and friendliness that I have achieved." He thanked everyone who voted from him and his dance partner and said he was "so touched" by the support from heart patients - and that he was probably "too excited to impress them."

He said they knew "the recovery is not always straight," adding that "it will always be a difficult mountain to climb."

"I left knowing the audience was in absolutely safe hands, and I would commend my sibling competitor until Christmas," he said. "Despite this sad ending, it's a real honor for me to be a part of this big, happy, and barking crazy TV show." In the "It Takes Two" video posted on Two announcing the news, she said that "she will miss learning new dances and doing new dances... it was a journey".

Buswell said he was a "big fan" of Webb and was pleased to know that having him join the show and partnering with him was "the icing on the cake." He said they worked hard "and had a great time on the road." She added, "I know Robert has a lot more to give to the competition, but his health comes first, and I wish him a speedy recovery. I am delighted to have danced with him and call him a friend."

Other participants also sent their best wishes, with Breakfast's Dan Walker saying, "it's great to see them enjoying every dance every week." Strict executive producer Sarah James thanked the couple for the "dedication, creativity and excitement they brought to the show."

He said they were "deeply saddened" but fully understood and supported his decision, adding that everyone at Strictly sent his "love and best wishes for their further recovery." Webb and Buswell have performed three dances together, most recently as Kermit and Miss Piggy at last weekend's Movie Week.

They danced fast on the subject of The Muppet Show from The Muppets Movie on Saturday night and received 25 points from the judges. Viewers gave them enough votes to avoid the dance that aired on Sunday. Web, who was previously a fan favorite with his Flashdancing routine on Let's Dance for Comic Relief, said his health caused him to sign up for Strictly.

"Part of my age and part of me having serious health problems almost two years ago," he told the BBC before the live broadcast. "I had open-heart surgery, so I think my attitude has been fundamental since then.