Why comedian Robert Webb has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing

Robert Webb has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing 2021, citing medical reasons for his decision to leave.

Webb and his dance partner Dianne Buswell will take no further part in the dancing competition. The BBC One show will continue as normal.

The comedian, who had open heart surgery two years ago, went to an urgent consultation with his heart specialist after feeling symptoms during his time on the show.

Here’s all you need to know and who Robert Webb is and why he’s left Strictly.

Why has Robert Webb withdrawn from Strictly?

The comedian has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing due to ill health, the BBC has said.

The former Peep Show star had open heart surgery two years ago, and used that event as inspiration to take part in the show.

In a statement, Webb said: “I’m extremely sorry to have to announce that I’m withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing … 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.

“I had begun to feel symptoms that led me to seek an urgent consultation with my heart specialist, and it was her view that it would be better for the sake of my health to step back from the show.”

Webb added that he was proud of the three dances he performed with Dianne Buswell, saying he “couldn’t have wished for a more talented partner or more patient teacher”.

Finally, he thanked the viewers who voted for him on the show: “It was always going to be a difficult mountain to climb (for one thing it’s made of glitter so it’s very skiddy) and I’ve been especially touched by the support from fellow heart patients.”