Strictly champion to leave show

Reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion Joanne Clifton is leaving the BBC show.

The professional dancer, who won the Glitterball trophy in 2016 with her celebrity partner Ore Oduba, said it had been a “tough decision”.

“Being part of the Strictly experience has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I will miss the show so much,” she said. “It’s been a tough decision, but I am looking forward to facing new challenges and focusing on my musical theatre career.”

Clifton, 33, will return to the Strictly ballroom one last time to perform the winners’ routine at the start of the new series.

Strictly professional Oksana Platero is also leaving. 0 Joanne Clifton is to quit Strictly on a high