It said: "Here's the thing. I'm absolutely dandy, thanks. It's all very undramatic, really. "I've done my statement and others can say what they want to say. I never read what they say anyway." He is only the fifth celebrity contestant to pull out of the show in its 13-year history.
Other celebrities taking part in the show have reacted with sadness to the news. Daisy Lowe wrote on Twitter: "@willyoung you are such a talented superstar... @bbcstrictly won't be the same without - I love you dearly and hope you're alright." Ore Oduba said: "So sad to see our @bbcstrictly friend @willyoung leave us. Been amazing sharing the floor with you, even better getting to know you." Laura Whitmore tweeted a quote, seemingly in relation to Young's departure, reading: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." Former Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac said he was "gutted" to lose Young from the show but added that everyone "fully supported" his decision. And former contestant Jeremy Vine, who had been paired with Clifton - also known by her previous surname Hauer - said: "Can't believe we are going to miss eight weeks of @karen_hauer dancing, one of the greatest dancers @BBCStrictly has ever had, and my friend."
'Wish him the best' Former contestants John Sergeant, Kelly Brook, Jimmy Tarbuck and Jade Johnson have all previously withdrawn from the show. Comedian Tarbuck left in 2006 for health reasons, followed by actress and model Brook in 2007
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after the death of her father. In 2008, journalist Sergeant said he felt there was a "real danger" he might win which would have been a "joke too far", and Olympic long-jumper Johnson quit the following year after she tore a ligament in her knee. This year's series is to continue as planned with an elimination every week until the final. The contestants who have previously been voted off - DJ Melvin Odoom and EastEnders actress Tameka Empson - will not be returning to the Strictly dancefloor. A BBC spokesman said of Young: "The show fully respects his decision and wishes him all the best for the future." Follow us on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, on Instagram, or if you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.
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