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STRICTLY judge Darcey Bussell sensationally quit the show after becoming embarrassed by the show’s sleazy reputation.

The ballet legend, 49, was sick of the “soap opera” romance scandals such as Seann and Katya’s snog last year.

Darcey Bussell's decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing has shocked BBC judges — Darcey Bussell's decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing has stunned BBC bossesCredit: BBC

Darcey — on the show for seven years — also wanted a £40,000 pay rise and had become annoyed by flamboyant judge Bruno Tonioli’s theatrics.

The 49-year-old judge’s shock decision to end her decade-long association with the show stunned BBC bosses.

But sources say the ballet legend was sick of non-stop stories about romances between pro dancers and celebs such as the snogging scandal involving Seann Walsh and Katya Jones.

Dame Darcey also wanted a £40,000 pay rise to put her in line with other top judges, and a documentary series with the BBC. A show insider said: “Darcey felt she deserved to be on par with the rest of the judges, especially after the recent series scored such high ratings.

Ba;llet legend Darcey Bussell wanted a £40,000 pay rise to put her in line with other top judges — Darcey Bussell wanted a £40,000 pay rise to put her in line with other top judgesCredit: BBC

Darcey Bussell was sick of 'soap opera' romance scandals such as Seann Walsh and Katya Jones' snog last yearCredit: Sacks

“She made it clear if her demands were not met, she’d walk. And despite the BBC’s best attempts to keep her, she remained true to her word.”

Darcey was also disgruntled at plans to make judges do more dancing in future because her background is ballet not ballroom.

And sources said she was annoyed by Bruno Tonioli’s theatrics, Craig Revel Horwood’s spats with fellow judges and the celebrity status of the pro dancers.

Darcey insisted she was “not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all”.

The BBC will now seek a replacement judge after ballet star Darcey's departure — likely to be female with a background in ballroomCredit: Rex Features

But an insider said: “Behind the scenes she was secretly becoming fed up with ‘the Bruno show’ and felt the dynamic between the judges changed after Craig’s jibes at Shirley Ballas’s cosmetic surgery. The atmosphere was never the same.

“She also hated the never-ending rumours surrounding the pros dating celebrity partners and was particularly annoyed by Seann Walsh’s romance with Katya Jones.

“Darcey is a happily-married, family-orientated woman and thinks Strictly had become some sort of sleazy soap opera.”

Insiders say Darcey takes her ballet seriously and did not want to be dragged into the ballroom displays on the show.

Darcey Bussell was keen to branch out from Strictly and do a documentary series with the BBCCredit: BBC Press Handout

A source: “The judges have been asked to spend more time ballroom dancing on the show, including the live tour.

“Craig, Bruno and Shirley love it — they’re performers and love ballroom. But Darcey is a ballerina who takes her craft seriously.”

Darcey replaced Alesha Dixon in 2012 having impressed as a guest judge in 2009 when she did the jive with pro dancer Ian Waite in the semi-final show.

She was one of the favourites to take over from retiring head judge Len Goodman in 2017 but was overlooked in favour of Shirley Ballas, who was then a relative unknown in the UK.

Darcey Bussell became irritated by Bruno's theatrics and Craig's spats with other judges

Queen of Latin Shirley got a £70,000 pay rise last year after her impressive start on the BBC1 series, putting her on par with top earner Bruno, 63, on £250,000.

Darcey, meanwhile, is paid £180,000, the same as Craig, 54, and she believes her salary summed up her “lowly” placing on the show.

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 back stage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive.

Darcey insisted she wasn't leaving Strictly Come Dancing 'because of any upset or disagreement at all'Credit: Getty - Contributor

Darcey Bussell with the Duchess of Cornwall at the The Olivier Awards 2019 earlier this monthCredit: Getty Images - Getty

“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.

“I know I will miss being part of this unique show and the fact that it celebrates dance is something I am so passionate about. I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day.”

Darcey’s ex-colleagues showed their support on social media.

Shirley Ballas, 58, posted an Instagram snap of the pair and said: “We’ve had the most laughs and fun times on the show. Today is certainly the end of an era.

Darcey was one of the favourites to take over from retiring head judge Len Goodman in 2017 but was overlooked in favour of Shirley Ballas

“Thank you for holding my hand all the way and being such an incredible friend. You were my rock when I was new to the show and have always been so kind.

“I for one will dearly miss my partner in crime and our girly chats. It just won’t be the same without you.”

Bruno posted a video of him and Darcey dancing and wrote: “Can we just take a moment and appreciate my dear friend and the incredible talent that is Darcey Bussell.”

A BBC source confirmed it was Darcey’s decision to leave, saying: “She might have something else lined up for all we know. Strictly is quite restrictive in terms of what you can do — it takes five months of the year. She might have something else lined up and has worked overseas.

Darcey Bussell was unhappy with requests to spend more time dancing on Strictly

“There were no issues with position or pay as far as we were concerned.”

The BBC will now seek a replacement judge — likely to be female with a background in ballroom and not necessarily somebody with great TV experience.

DAME OF MOANS: FIVE THINGS THAT MADE DARCEY LEAVE

Embarrassed by scandals such as the Seann and Katya snog
Wanted a £40,000 pay rise to be on par with the other judges
Keen to branch out and do documentary series with the BBC
Irritated by Bruno's theatrics and Craig's spats with other judges
Unhappy at requests to spend more time dancing on the snow

Strictly Come Dancing Head Judge Shirley Ballas gets snubbed by Darcey Bussell during show intro

Six runners and jivers for job on panel

Karen Hardy

Former winner Karen, 48, was in the frame to be Head Judge in 2016, but Shirley Ballas eventually got it.

Regularly steps in for judges on the Live Tour.

Odds: 3-1.

Anton Du Beke

The show’s longest-serving pro, 52, was “gutted” not to get Len Goodman’s job and said at the time that his replacement should have ballroom experience.

Odds: 4-1.

Ian Waite

The 48-year-old specialises in Latin American dancing and is also a teacher and choreographer.

Was on the show for seven series until 2010.

Odds: 6-1.

Erin Boag

The New Zealand-born dancer, 44, was on the show for ten series between 2004 and 2012.

She is the regular dancing partner of Anton du Beke.

Odds: 6-1.

Camilla Dallerup

Camilla, 45, won the show in 2008 with actor Tom ChambersCredit: Stewart Williams - The Sun

Camilla, 45, appeared in the first six series and won the show in 2008 with Holby City actor Tom Chambers.

Has also judged on the Live Tour.

Odds: 8-1.

Oti Mabuse

Darcey Bussell quit Strictly after becoming embarrassed by show’s ‘soap opera’ scandals and wanting £40,000 pay rise

DAME OF MOANS: FIVE THINGS THAT MADE DARCEY LEAVE