Strictly stars react to Will Young’s shock departure

Plenty of fans are upset about Will Young’s decision to quit Strictly – including his fellow cast members.

Many of the celebrity dancers took to social media to express their sadness at the former Pop Idol winner’s departure.

Lesley Joseph posted a smiling selfie of her and Will…

Sad to hear that the lovely Will Young has left #Strictly due to personal reasons! pic.twitter.com/1flPC1hG1s

— Lesley Joseph (@LesleyJosephTV) October 11, 2016

Gymnast Claudia Fragapane declared that she will miss him “loads”.

I will miss you loads @willyoung ❤️ it was a pleasure to meet you https://t.co/tRLdZuF9Zt

— Claudia Fragapane (@claudia_frag) October 12, 2016

Danny Mac admitted he was “gutted” but wished the star all the best…

Gutted to lose @willyoung from our team @bbcstrictly. We all fully support his decision and will miss him massively. All the best mate x

— Danny Mac (@dannymaconline) October 11, 2016

Ore Oduba couldn’t hide his upset either.

So sad to see our @bbcstrictly friend @willyoung leave us. Been amazing sharing the floor with you, even better getting to know you ???? #jaiho

— Ore Oduba (@OreOduba) October 12, 2016

Laura Whitmore cryptically retweeted several messages about Will’s decision to leave, then posted an image saying “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” A message to those criticising the singer, perhaps?

❤️ pic.twitter.com/RLF8wtPWUQ

— Laura Whitmore (@thewhitmore) October 11, 2016

Meanwhile, fans are calling for Tameka Empson to take his place after her exit last week, which many considered unfair.

@bbcstrictly please now there's a space #bringtamekaback She should never have gone in the first place!

— Katy Greenwood (@katygreenwood) October 11, 2016

So if Will Young has quit @bbcstrictly does that mean the hilarious @Tameka_Empson can come back? #BringTamekaBack ????????

— Millsy (@kmillsy1) October 11, 2016

Bring back @Tameka_Empson @bbcstrictly I need her infectious laugh in my weekends. #BringTamekaBack

— Katy Schofield (@SchofieldKv) October 11, 2016

Sadly their pleas will go unheeded with the show already confirming that the eliminated EastEnders actress will not return to the series.

Strictly returns on Saturday 15 October on BBC1.