Cameron Lombard, a star of Strictly Come Dancing, has announced he is quitting the programme to work on other “exciting” ventures.
The South African dancer first appeared on the BBC’s Latin and ballroom series in 2021, and she afterwards appeared often in the ensemble routines, live tour, and Christmas special.
After learning the professionals roster for the forthcoming series, Cameron has said he won’t be hitting the dance floor again later this year.
Taking to Instagram, he said ‘the last two years have been a blast’, while thanking the Strictly team ‘for the life changing opportunity and for the best experience any one could wish for’.
He continued: ‘[I] will forever be grateful and I’ve loved every minute, danced on the worlds biggest stages, met the worlds best fans, performed for thousands of people as well as millions watching around the world and have made friends for life that I’ll cherish forever.
‘I can’t wait to share with you some exciting future projects and plans ❤️ See you in the movies.’
In a statement, a Strictly spokesperson said: ‘Cameron is a fantastic performer and we have loved working with him for the past two years on Strictly.
‘He is currently pursuing other opportunities but will always be part of the family and our door will always be open to him in the future.’
Following the news, several of his former co-stars have praised him, including Gorka Marquez, Johannes Radebe, Clara Amfo, and Amy Dowden, who replied on Instagram with heart emojis.
‘All the LOVE my friend,’ replied Aljaz Skorjanec, while judge Motsi Mabuse added: ‘All the best dear!!! You know where to call ❤️’
‘Always love for you bro,’ wrote Neil Jones, as singer Fleur East – who was a runner up on the show last year – promised: ‘I’ll be watching 🙌❤️❤️’
BBC broadcaster Richie Anderson – who was part of the 2022 celebrity lineup with Fleur – commented: ‘Cameron you are a gentleman ❤️ wishing you all the best 🌟 xxx’
This week saw the unveiling of the 2023 lineup, featuring the comebacks of Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, and Giovanni Pernice.
Along with Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, and Nikita Kuzmin, they will return; the remaining competitors are Vita Coppola, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Vita Widdrington.
Strictly Come Dancing is returning to BBC1 later this year.
Source My Celebrity Life.