I'M OFF: Camilla throws in the towel

Camilla does the QUIT step

Strictly bombshell: Winner Tom's partner to leave show

By Tom Latchem, 04/01/2009

STRICTLY Come Dancing champion Camilla Dallerup is sensationally quitting the show, we can reveal.

BBC chiefs will be stunned to learn that the sexy Danish dancer is off-despite winning the latest series with celeb partner Tom Chambers.

Camilla, 34, insisted she's had enough after performing on six series of the scandal-hit programme-and has no regrets after a voting blunder nearly scotched their chances of making the final.

She said: "I think some people will be surprised at my decision but I feel now is the right time to go. I have to follow my dreams."

In an exclusive interview with the News of the World, blonde beauty Camilla also:

HOT STUFF: Camilla and Tom strut their stuff in the final

DEMANDED a shake-up of the voting system-stripping the four judges of any power

CRITICISED the judging panel for being too CRUEL

HIT back at critics who sniped at her and Holby City star Tom for making the final

REVEALED she would return to the show-but only as a JUDGE, and

SPOKE movingly about her heartbreak over ex-fiancé Brendan Cole's reported affair with Natasha Kaplinsky in the first series.

Ironically, dancing sensation Camilla decided to quit the BBC1 show the night BEFORE the shambolic semi-final.

A voting disaster meant she and Tom couldn't avoid the dance-off despite getting the highest public vote, so bosses had to put all three couples-who included Lisa Snowdon and partner Brendan Cole, and Rachel Stevens and Vincent Simone-through to the final.

Camilla said: "I was shocked and terribly sad at the voting problems and I did think I never want to go through this again, but that's not the reason I'm leaving.

"I'd been thinking about it for several months and I made up my mind after discussing it with my best friend and manager Maria.

"I need to give other things a go before I settle down and have a family. Winning the show was just the icing on the cake. I've always been told to leave a party when you're having a good time."

Camilla kept her bombshell news from partner Tom, 31. "It had nothing to do with him-it was a personal decision," she insisted.

But she reckons a repeat of the voting fiasco that nearly wrecked their chances of clinching the title could be avoided by making the judges powerless.

CHAMPIONS: Winning couple

At the moment the scores handed out by Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood are worth the same as the public vote.

But Camilla said: "I think they should just act as guides to the public, who then have complete control over who goes through to the next round.

"The British public spend their money and want to know their call makes a difference."

Referring to the semi-final shambles, she said: "Tom and I felt helpless and sad.

"Nobody minds being in the dance-off or even leaving if the public says, 'See you later'. But you don't want to go when you don't know whether the public want you to or not."

She went on: "Strictly's an entertainment show, not a professional competition. The public love people who can't dance as well as the other contestants but are great entertainers."

Camilla also criticised the judges for being too cruel.

This series saw them lambast dancing dud John Sergeant, 64, who quit despite huge public support.

Camilla said she frequently had to rally her celeb partners following an ear-bashing from the judges.

She said: "You've got to be honest if someone dances badly so they can go away and improve.

"But there are ways of doing it-you don't have to hurt people's feelings.

Harsh

"They once told my partner James Martin that he looked like a murderer and that hurt him. They could say things in a different way."

But Camilla hasn't just had to deal with harsh comments from the judges. Despite winning the show, she also faced jibes that she and Tom shouldn't have made the final last month.

She hit back: "All three finalists deserved to be there. It's all about who the public is entertained by-and the public decided."

In fact, Tom and Camilla were never in the bottom two. She said: "Lisa had become a terrific dancer, and Rachel was a favourite with the judges, but both had been in dance-offs."

Camilla's four years on the show have paved the way for her to take on other projects. She has done some modelling, TV and radio presenting, is in talks for other major TV shows and is due to go on the Strictly tour.

She revealed she would like to do some more presenting. But she's not after the jobs of Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth-although she would return to the show as a JUDGE.

Camilla said: "As a dancer on the show it's my time to say, 'thank you very much'.

"But I'd love to be one of the judges. It would be great to be on the other side. I've been through it all-the ups, the downs, the rollickings.

"I think I have what it takes. I don't want to be the new Arlene. It would just be good to have another woman on the panel. I would be able to tell people they danced badly in a constructive way."

Winning Strictly rounded off a remarkable recovery for Camilla who was left heartbroken over her split with long-term partner Brendan Cole, 32.

The spark between him and his first celeb partner, newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky-with whom he won in 2004-led to reports of an affair and the bust-up of his relationship with Camilla.

Nauseating

With searing honesty she revealed: "My life fell apart-on live TV. I remember on one show Brendan kissed Natasha good luck behind the curtain as the opening credits played. It stuck with me. I felt humiliated-who wouldn't?

"After that it was nauseating every time I heard the theme music. It took three years before I could enjoy it again because of the bad memories. But this win has put a full stop on that chapter of my life.

"Winning wasn't about beating Brendan-it was more about succeeding after everything that happened.

"I'm just glad I finally got there and got to experience what it's like to lift that trophy. I feel privileged to have been part of the show from the start and see it grow."

The victory along with meeting new boyfriend Kevin Sacre, 30-who played Jake Dean in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks-has put Camilla back in a spin again.

She said: "It's great to have a new man in my life. He's told me to follow my dreams. I feel happy and excited about 2009."

Reflecting on her time in Strictly, she grinned: "It's seen my highest and lowest points. I've had an amazing time and met some fantastic people, but all great things eventually have to come to an end."

Your comments

This article has 68 comments

Saturday evenings will never be the same without you, I really couldn`t care if I never saw another now that you have won. You have been the best all the way through and it is beyond me why it took others so long to realise this. Alright I`m biased but you will always " Be my favourite" Wish you all the luck in the world

PS Now got the dvd from the show, MAGIC!!!!

By Brian.. Posted November 14 2009 at 10:17 PM.

I've only just realised you're not on this year's Strictly, but have to say congratulations on last year's victory with Tom (wonderfully entertaining routines!) and it was great to see you back for a guest appearance on Saturday! Good luck with your future plans :-)

By Stephen Horrocks.. Posted September 20 2009 at 12:07 AM.

Typical of the usual BBC cock-up. A good dancer like Camilla leaves of her own accord because of the shambles called voting in the last series - but instead of snapping her up to replace "old" Arlene, they pick a mere slip of a girl who has legs up to her neck and won Strictly on the advice and training of her professional partner.
Sort this out or the viewers will leave what has been an entertaining Saturday night show, and one that raised the profile of dancing for keeping fit.

By Vicky Foxx.. Posted August 6 2009 at 4:06 PM.

Camilla you will be very sadly missed...with you AND Nicole not there the show will not be the same...I'm so happy that you've found love with Kevin and wish you the best of luck in the whole world for your professional future xx

By jane.. Posted May 24 2009 at 11:35 AM.

Good luck, but not sorry to see you go. Not a winner in my eyes. Thats my view. Bring in Kristina - now she has talent.

By Dave.. Posted April 19 2009 at 8:48 PM.

GOOD LUCK Camilla in whatever you do next! You were a fantastic dancer and choreographer on Strictly and no matter what anyone claims, you and tom deserves to be in the final and then go on to win. If John Sergant hadnt have left you would have been there anyway! I thought your showdance was amazing and i have enjoyed watching you in all the series! Good luck! xx

By Abbie.. Posted February 23 2009 at 9:42 PM.

best female dancers theres been on the show.
will miss camilla and ian together.
hope shes still on the tour ?
xx

By aimee.. Posted January 10 2009 at 5:12 PM.

sorry that your leaving I always loved your choreography and it was the best show dance ever. good luck

By lisa.. Posted January 9 2009 at 4:45 PM.

I agree with steve "Good luck in whatever you do Camilla. Your showdance was the best we've ever seen"
It was amazing its nice to go while your on top.
Hope to see you on the tele soon.
Terry x

By Terry.. Posted January 7 2009 at 10:39 PM.

Good Luck Camilla! You will be missed on Strictly by so many people!! You and Tom deserved to win this year, you were by far the most entertaining and a pleasure to watch! Hope to see you lots more on tv soon.
Good Luck with wherever your career now takes you!

By Emma Wheeldon.. Posted January 6 2009 at 2:37 PM.

Camilla from one dane to another - well done I wish you all the best for the future

By Tina Mcgregor.. Posted January 6 2009 at 5:00 AM.

Good luck Camilla

Will miss you as you are one of my favourite professionals on SCD

Hope you are not taking Ian with you though as he will be missed dreadfully as well

Congrats on winning this year with Tom - despite the judges odd marking

Though it should have happened last year with Gethin

Having been lucky enought to have met you in person, can I say what a lovely person you are and you and Ian are both great personally and professionally

By Viv.. Posted January 5 2009 at 8:43 PM.

ME,MY MUM,MY SISTER ALL VOTED FOR YOU ABOUT EIGHT TIMES UNHAPPY THAT YOU ARE LEAVING AS YOUR WERE THE BEST THERE AND I HOPE YOU HAVE AN ACE 2009 AND KEEP DANCING............................!!!!!

YOU ARE ACE

By Matty.. Posted January 5 2009 at 5:57 PM.

good luck for the future Camilla! You have brought a touch of class to the show and your enthusiasm for dance has shone throughout the series. I for one would be very happy to see you return as a judge, particularly as the current four seem to think they're bigger than the show itself and their pantomime rhetoric has become tedious in the extreme...

By Stuart.. Posted January 5 2009 at 4:49 PM.

Sorry to hear that you have decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing - you will be missed not only as a professional dancer but your personality as well. I think you should have won before now, your dancing and choregraphy is great. I voted for you and Tom from week 1, I thought you were both brilliant together and I think the judges under-marked you every week but you showed them in the end that you deserved to win. All your dances were first class but the 'show dance' was the best I've ever seen and I've been an ardent fan of Strictly since the first series. Good luck in your new career.

By swilliams.. Posted January 5 2009 at 4:16 PM.

Hi Camilla
Sorry you have decided to leave the show, but lots of luck in the future.Hope to see you again on TV soon.

By Jo.. Posted January 5 2009 at 11:39 AM.

WELL DONE and
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WIN WITH TOM
CAMILLA.
You both deserved to win.Your ShowDance was
FANTASTIC the BEST EVER.
Good Luck For The Future In Everythig You Do!!

By Patricia....... Posted January 4 2009 at 10:18 PM.

You and Tom deserved to win, in fact I had no problem with any of the three finalists winning. For a man, Tom danced like a pro and he was definitely very entertaining to watch.

Go and follow your dreams. Strictly has opened more doors for you. Pity things turned out the way they did with Brendan but sometimes things happen for a reason. Despite the way Brendan is sometimes portrayed, I think he is a nice and kind person. One hopes that you will both find happiness with your new partners.

All the best

By Juliet.. Posted January 4 2009 at 7:16 PM.

Good luck to you.

When couples have to do a Dance off, if having danced TWO dances that evening. The couple SHOULD decide what dance they do. Not always the one that gave them the most marks that evening.
i.e they could have messed up their best dance (routine wise) and got low mark (greater mark possible in dance off if danced well), as opposed to the dance (lower routine wise) that they possible danced its best and got one mark more than the messed up dance in the first show.
I think this applied to Austin and one other in this years show (They would have done better if danced the Lowest marked dance)
The choice of Music does not help ! When Paso, use a Paso song, not a POP song with a sort of latin beat.

By Karen.. Posted January 4 2009 at 7:34 PM.

Fantastic show dance, the best.
Sorry to see you go, but as you say "leave at the top/while still enjoying it"
BUT as your comment about NOT being in the bottom two ! ! ! you were in the semi-final (against Lisa) and the way you all danced in the show, there would have been no way the judges could have saved you and Tom (unless Lisa made a complete mess up) It appeared that this year was the turn of a MAN to win so as to make it Three each to the Ladies & Men.
Hence all three go through to the Final ! ! ! !
BUT FANTASTIC SHOW DANCE - THE BEST.
Please include Rachel and Lisa in the same way as you mention Natasha, Jill and Alisha as fantastic dancers from previous shows (include them in future challenges)

By Doug.. Posted January 4 2009 at 7:11 PM.

I loved Camilla on the shows. She's really pretty and so talented. I undertstand her decision to follow her dreams. Go on Camilla, do what you do best and dance! Love ya Camilla x

By kate.. Posted January 4 2009 at 6:34 PM.

Good luck Camilla you were great on the show - and your show dance was fabulous.

However, I think show was generally farcical - the judges were rude and at the end of the day it's a light entertainment show.

Brucey was fun was Tess was dreadfully dull and came across as a right diva. Plus, the dancing 'celebs' were no great shakes - most of the British public could dance as well as they could if only they were given the opportunity!

By Fiona.. Posted January 4 2009 at 5:20 PM.

Good Luck for your future Camilla. I used to love the show but I do think they should change it completely and pick ordinary people to dance with the professionals, not celebrities. Then there is no popularity contest, just dancing, and we can see which professional can turn out the best.

On a personal note I hope to see you and Ian dancing live again and I would love to see James Jordan win strictly, he is so down marked.

Ian

By Ian.. Posted January 4 2009 at 5:04 PM.

The whole show should end. Its passed its sell by date. The BBC are conning viewers yet again. Bruce is past it. Tess you cannot understand and the judges are a mess, apart from Bruno.

By David.. Posted January 4 2009 at 5:25 PM.

Happy To See The Back Of Her!

Her and tom should not of won Rachel should of!

By Withheld.. Posted January 4 2009 at 4:49 PM.

Good Luck in everything you do Camilla.

You and Tom were a joy to watch all through the series and you were deserving winners - the show dance was fantastically entertaining and I totally agree with all your comments regarding giving the show a shake up. :)

By Jaye.. Posted January 4 2009 at 4:12 PM.

Good luck Camilla.

The voting last year was 'odd' and as a Geth supporter I began this series looking out for skewed judging, and remarks that would stick like glue to the celebs.

It all happened. The judges were disgraceful. Despite them thinking they are the centre of the show - they are not!!! and the public got what it wanted this year - you and Tom lifting the Glitterball. The Showdance was magic, and what I had waited all series to see Tom do.

Must also mention great choreography (James Martin and the tango!!! Wow).

Good luck, have met you and want to say you are lovely and I hope your future is all you hope it to be.
Annie x

By Annie.. Posted January 4 2009 at 4:45 PM.

So sorry you are leaving Strictly Camilla. You and Tom were definitely the most entertaining couple this series and I loved you from the very first dance. (The chacha ?) I missed the very beginning of that dance and when I walked into the lounge and saw you dancing on the TV I just said 'Wow - who is that !' I thought Tom was a professional.

Anyway, Camilla, I hope you can return to Strictly as a judge. That would be great.

Good luck with your new life !

By mitch robertson.. Posted January 4 2009 at 3:10 PM.

You were always my favourite professional, good luck and thanks for the great dances your performed with James, Gethin & Tom!

By junaid.. Posted January 4 2009 at 2:57 PM.

Good Luck to you Camilla .You won with Tom and I was delighted I wanted that from start of series
A case of sour grapes was the answer the to others .You will be missed next year

By Siakin.. Posted January 4 2009 at 2:23 PM.

You are the best Camilla very sad you are leaving the show but I wish you all the best for the future

By Doreen Janson .. Posted January 4 2009 at 2:20 PM.

Sorry to hear you've decided to go. You and Tom deserved to win - your show dance was amazing. Hope BBC revamps the shows' format and brings you back as a judge. We don't need the vitriol that the current panel dish out, more constructive criticism. Best wishes for the future.

By phil.. Posted January 4 2009 at 11:13 AM.

<says in best Brucie voice>

"You're my favourite"!!!!

Good luck Camilla and stay happy :-)

By Annie.. Posted January 4 2009 at 11:28 AM.

You and Kevin make a beautiful Couple, I'm so glad you are happy. My family will miss you on Strictly.

By Mum.. Posted January 4 2009 at 1:05 PM.

Sorry that you're leaving, but follow your dreams.
Yes, I agree with the previous post - you and Gethin should have been in the finals last year, O but you did it, well done and well deserved too! What you have experienced in the first series, I felt for you and you showed what a lady you are ~ you went through that with grace. Don't look back. Love you always and Good Luck for the future.

By Kym

By Kym.. Posted January 4 2009 at 1:42 PM.

YOU AND TO HAD EVERY RIGHT TO BE IN THE FINAL WITH TOM. YOU WERE THE MOST POPULAR WITH THE PUBLIC, WHICH TO ME IS THE MOST IMPORTANT.

By JO.. Posted January 4 2009 at 11:41 AM.

Good Luck Camilla. The public voted for the best, not only celeb, but couple.I think you were marked down.

By Gill.. Posted January 4 2009 at 11:51 AM.

I'm sure all of the viewers will be sorry to see you go Camilla, but if the time is right then you must follow your heart...especially with your scrummy new man! Be happy!!!

By Sandy.. Posted January 4 2009 at 11:54 AM.

Camilla, you are a beautiful and talented woman, and you will always be my favourite female pro. You with Tom, and you with Ian, always bought a smile to my face, you were a joy. Good luck in everything you do, I can only hope Ian stays, and you'll always be remembered as one of the best.

By Jess.. Posted January 4 2009 at 11:54 AM.

good luck camilla and good for you to voice your opinions it should be up to the public as who should stay and who should go good luck in your private life

By jacqui.. Posted January 4 2009 at 12:09 PM.

Girl power to you Camilla. Class and dignity mixed with strenth and beauty out shines any Diva or any thing! May you follow your dreams always, and wish you happiness and fun in all you do.

By rock chick.. Posted January 4 2009 at 12:08 PM.

I'm sure all of the viewers will be sorry to see you go Camilla, but if the time is right then you must follow your heart...especially with your scrummy new man! Be happy!!!

By Sandy.. Posted January 4 2009 at 12:01 PM.

Sorry that you are leaving , your radiance lit up the whole show and your choreoghaphy absolutely brilliant. Looking forward to seeing more of you on TV and good luck for 2009 with romance and everything you do.

By Tony.. Posted January 4 2009 at 10:13 AM.

Yeah, such courage there Camilla. Knowing you were to be dropped by the show for next series so going to the papers first saying you are the one quitting. Nice one, can't believe the public still buy this kind of story.

By Bob.. Posted January 4 2009 at 10:28 AM.

You say its entertainment show.If so why are you and celebs training x amount of hours a week?At the end of the day the object of the show is to turn non dancers into dancers.tom should have never won.It ment as much to you as Tom.Inyour heart you knew the result was wrong and thats why you are quitting now.

By merryl.. Posted January 4 2009 at 10:27 AM.

You're my favourite! X

By Ian.. Posted January 4 2009 at 10:45 AM.

goodluck and i think you would make a very good judge they need someone younger on the panel and with you background your perfect

By ntalie.. Posted January 4 2009 at 10:42 AM.

I feel totally devastated that you are leaving Strictly Come Dancing. To me the show is losing one of it's greatest assets.

By Carole Clitheroe.. Posted January 4 2009 at 10:39 AM.

Bye !! Shows bigger than you love so you wont be missed.

By Jonathan Smart.. Posted January 4 2009 at 10:50 AM.

Good luck in 2009 Camilla.
I am so glad that you and Tom won and I agree with the earlier comment about you and Gethin.
Am glad that the public vote won in the end!!!
You seem to have a wonderful partner now so I hope you will both share a wonderful life together and will both be truly happy and with hindsight,although it must have hurt you very much at the time,you aren't missing a lot with Brendan are you??
Very best wishes for the future.

By anita reed.. Posted January 4 2009 at 10:47 AM.

who ????

By Mick.. Posted January 4 2009 at 10:45 AM.

Good luck Camilla, you are a very wise young lady.

Until, they shake things up (get rid of Bruce, Tess, Len, the dodgy camera angles and the stupid voting system) then I am afraid Strictly Come Dancing is on a downward spiral.

By Brian.. Posted January 4 2009 at 9:27 AM.

Good luck Camilla.

This season was a farce, the judges overmarking of their chosen two and nasty comments have put me off strictly, which I have watched from the beginning, and I don't blame her for leaving. The judges should go. I would like to see them replaced by people like Karen and Camilla and maybe the gentlemen who used to do the red button commentary.

I don't know if I will be watching next year, I want to be entertained not see people, who are working hard, being humiliated.

By Karen.. Posted January 4 2009 at 9:30 AM.

All the best to you Camilla. I will be keeping my fingers crossed they bring you back as a judge along with Karen Hardy. The BBC have spoilt such a great entertainment show it certainly needs new people now to bring it back to life and thats where you and Karen come in. Good luck

By Jennifer Smith.. Posted January 4 2009 at 9:50 AM.

I was glad I voted you both and glad you one. I think the judge should have to voting power taken out of the hands.
Good luck Camilla we will miss you.

By Martin Dale.. Posted January 4 2009 at 9:49 AM.

I am sorry you are leaving the show, but you know your own mind & what is best for you.You will be missed, but as a judge you would be fair and constructive. May I take this chance to wish you and Kevin all the best for the future. Good Luck.

By tom.. Posted January 4 2009 at 9:58 AM.

camilla follow your heart good luck

By john kennedy.. Posted January 4 2009 at 9:51 AM.

Your dignity and courage and sense of humour have come shining through all the series, despite the betrayals and the shambles. I am so thrilled that you have dreams still to follow, you deserve them.
I will not be watching anymore series in the future without you there to make me green with envy at your grace and smiling face.

By Leonie.. Posted January 4 2009 at 9:07 AM.

Camilla thank you for saying what we have all been saying for the whole series, the judges went too far this year, they are certainly too big for their boots now, you plus Karen Hardy and someone else must make up a non voting panel and let the people decide - best of luck for the future.

By Diana.. Posted January 4 2009 at 9:20 AM.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
The Show Dance you did with Tom was so great.
Full of humour and fantasic dancing,i grinned from ear to ear all the way through .
You both deserved that trophy after that dance.
GOOD LUCK and BEST WISHES

By jill.. Posted January 4 2009 at 9:12 AM.

The 2008 show should be the last. It was full of disasters. Can she take Bruce, Arlene and Tess with her. Camilla is without doubt the best female dancer and she has the intelligence to see what a mess the BBC did to the last show. Of course, if they made a 2009 series get rid of Arlene Phillips and Craig, and Camilla could join Len and Bruno on the panel of judges. Whatever happens there should only be three judges. Good luck Camilla.

By David.. Posted January 4 2009 at 8:32 AM.

Every single programme where the public are asked to vote for the winner is tarnished with that evil called greed

By william charnley.. Posted January 4 2009 at 8:27 AM.

I'm glad.

By Len G .. Posted January 4 2009 at 7:24 AM.

Good luck Camilla. You should have won in Series 5 with the gorgeous Gethin Jones. There was another voting travesty!

By Oyster.. Posted January 4 2009 at 6:34 AM.

I'm so sorry to hear that you're leaving Camilla but wish you all the best in whatever you do next. In my opinion Tom was marked down all series and just loved the fact that he won to spite them. And I LOVE the idea of you becoming a judge, you could sit right in the middle of them and disagree with everything they say! I believe that the death knoll for the judges has come in their treatment of John Sargeant, not necessarily ON the show but Arlene and Craig were also horrible about him on breakfast TV and the Claudia show at tea-time. It's about time they realised that this is an entertainment show. If good dancers go out, that's the way it is. But I'm very sorry I won't be seeing you on Strictly next season.

By Lottie.. Posted January 4 2009 at 2:53 AM.

Good luck in whatever you do Camilla. Your showdance was the best we've ever seen.

By Steve.. Posted January 4 2009 at 12:38 AM.

All the best, I hope you are very happy and successful in whatever you choose to do. I am glad that you have met somebody who makes you happy!

By linda.. Posted January 4 2009 at 12:28 AM.

Good luck in whatever you do.

By gran.. Posted January 4 2009 at 12:04 AM.

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