Dame Darcey Bussell has spoken out on her mysterious departure from Strictly Come Dancing, three years after she walked away from the show.
The 53-year-old left the TV and showbiz world speechless when she announced she'd be hanging up her paddles after seven years on the judging panel,
At the time, Dame Darcey said she was not leaving "because of any upset or disagreement", but she appears to have backtracked on these comments now.
In a new interview, the London-born ballet dancer has opened up about her decision to walk away, while also taking a subtle swipe at the BBC show.
Speaking on the Royal Academy of Dance podcast, Dame Darcey said: "It was really hard because the producers on the show didn't want me to be the ballet dancer and I was like 'Well, sadly I am, and I think you chose me because I am the ballet dancer.'"
She went on to say: "They were convinced that the public were going to take that on board but the public did take it on board and [nevertheless,] were happy to have me as a judge.
"I was always going to play myself, however much I was convinced that to look like and be like the ballet dancer wasn't the right thing.
"I was, like, 'Well, sorry, you're taking me as it is, this is how I look and this is how I'll act.'"
However, Dame Darcey says she wasn't the best person for Strictly, adding: "It wasn't the easiest thing for me, because I wanted to still be the dancer on that dancefloor.
"Being a judge full-time was hard, knowing that it's live and having the ability to be quick and responsive because I like to think and take my time."
At the time of her departure in April 2019, Dame Darcey said: "It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team. I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire backstage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive.
"I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all, I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years that I can't imagine having gone any better."
She joined the programme as a guest judge in 2009 before eventually joining the panel permanently alongside Shirley Ballas, Bruno Toniolo and Craig Revel Horwood in 2012.
