Did a Strictly Star Regret Their Decision After Quitting for Health Reasons?

Robert Webb, the Peep Show comedian, has recently reflected on his brief participation in Strictly Come Dancing, revealing that agreeing to join the show was a significant mistake. After only three live performances, Webb had to withdraw due to health issues related to his recovery from heart surgery. His experience highlights the physical demands of reality television and the importance of prioritising health.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Robert Webb participated in Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 but withdrew after three shows due to health concerns.
• He underwent surgery for a mitral valve prolapse in 2020, which impacted his ability to handle the show's demanding schedule.
• Webb has since changed his lifestyle significantly, including giving up alcohol.
• His experience has reshaped his perspective on life and health.
• The 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing is set to begin on 20 September 2023, with a new line-up of contestants.

Robert Webb's Journey on Strictly Come Dancing

In 2021, Robert Webb signed up for the 19th series of Strictly Come Dancing, a decision that he now regards as regrettable. Paired with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell, Webb's initial excitement quickly turned to concern as he faced the reality of competing while managing his health issues. The show is known for its intense rehearsal schedule, which proved overwhelming for Webb, who had recently undergone heart surgery.

The Decision to Compete

Webb, 52, stated that he was motivated to join the show because opportunities like this are rare. Having experienced a life-threatening condition, he felt compelled to seize the moment: "These opportunities don’t happen to everyone. And I’d just nearly died, so I thought, 'This is no time to be sitting on the edges.'" However, despite his positive intentions, the demands of the competition proved too much for him.

The Impact of Health on Performance

After just three live shows, Webb finished in 13th place. Faced with increasing symptoms related to his heart condition, he sought advice from his heart specialist, who recommended he withdraw from the competition. Webb later lamented, “It became clear that I had bitten off way more than I could chew for this stage in my recovery.”

Health Challenges and Recovery

Robert Webb's health struggles began with a diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse, also known as Barlow syndrome, which affects the valve between the heart's left chambers. This condition led to an emergency operation in 2020 after he had been experiencing constant fatigue—symptoms he initially attributed to lifestyle factors such as heavy drinking. He later realised that his health was far more precarious than he had understood at the time.

Life After Surgery

Now five years post-surgery, Webb acknowledges that his near-death experience has significantly altered his outlook on life. He admits to having treated his body poorly in the past, stating that he was "slowly killing" himself with alcohol and cigarette use. Following his diagnosis, he made the conscious decision to abstain from alcohol altogether, marking a pivotal turning point in his life.

Physical and Mental Transformation

Robert's transformation encompasses more than just physical health; he underwent therapy to address his past dependencies and has since embraced a more active lifestyle. He has re-engaged with his career, participating in various panel shows, sitcoms, and writing projects. His experience serves as a testament to the importance of prioritising health, especially for those in high-pressure environments like reality television.

Strictly Come Dancing: The Upcoming Series

As the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing approaches, it will feature a new lineup of contestants, including notable names such as Vicky Pattison and Dani Dyer. The show is set to kick off on 20 September 2023. Webb's experience serves as a reminder of the pressures contestants face and the importance of considering one's health in the pursuit of entertainment. As fans eagerly await the new series, discussions surrounding the show's format and contestant selection continue to generate excitement.

Conclusion

Reflecting on his time on Strictly Come Dancing, Robert Webb's story underscores the physical and emotional toll of reality television, particularly for those with health concerns. His candid admission of regret speaks volumes about the importance of self-awareness and prioritising health over fame. As audiences prepare for the next season, it will be interesting to see how the show evolves and whether contestants will be more forthcoming about their health challenges.

FAQs

Why did Robert Webb withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing?

Robert Webb withdrew from Strictly Come Dancing due to health concerns related to his recovery from heart surgery. His specialist advised him to pull out after he experienced symptoms of his condition during the competition.

What health condition did Robert Webb have?

Robert Webb was diagnosed with a mitral valve prolapse, a condition affecting the heart's valve function. He underwent emergency surgery for this condition in 2020.

How has Robert Webb's life changed after his surgery?

After his surgery, Robert Webb made significant lifestyle changes, including abstaining from alcohol and prioritising his health. He has also sought therapy to address previous dependencies and has returned to work in various entertainment roles.

What can we expect from the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing?

The 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing will feature a new lineup of contestants, with the first dance scheduled for 20 September 2023. Fans are excited to see how the series will evolve this year.

What did Robert Webb learn from his experience on Strictly Come Dancing?

Robert Webb learned the importance of listening to his body and prioritising his health over participation in high-pressure situations like reality television. His experience has given him a new perspective on life.