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Karen Clifton hits out at 'sour' reports following Will Young's Strictly departure

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Ainhoa Barcelona
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Karen Clifton has responded to reports that she was behind Will Young's exit from Strictly Come Dancing

The 34-year-old took to Twitter to write: "Shame certain press have to sour what was a great time for me and Will that sadly came to an end." Will retweeted her post.

Karen and Kevin Clifton share their exciting news with HELLO!

Earlier this week Will announced his decision to quit the show, becoming only the fifth celebrity to do so in the programme's 12-year history. 

will young2© Photo: BBC

Will left after three live shows

Will said that he was leaving for "personal reasons" however reports later emerged, claiming that he was at loggerheads with his professional dance partner over their busy practise schedule.

A source told The Mirror that they "squabbled a few times during rehearsals" and that Will, 37, found the process "too taxing".

In training, the Light My Fire singer previously admitted: "Karen is working me really hard. I thought we would do five minutes, have a coffee break, go shopping."

In the scenes shown on Strictly, Karen replied: "It's going to be a long day."

will young1© Photo: BBC

The singer said that his departure was "undramatic"

However Will has maintained that there was nothing dramatic about his departure from the competition. The musician left after three live shows and after panellist Len Goodman told him to "turn up, keep up and shut up" during the judges' comments on his performance.

Will sent a text to BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Chris Evans which was read out on air. 

"Here's the thing. I'm absolutely dandy, thanks. It's all very undramatic, really," he wrote. "I've done my statement and others can say what they want to say. I never read what they say anyway."

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In his statement Will said that to dance as a contestant was "an experience I always hoped for". He added: "I have found a creative partnership with Karen that has been the most wonderful thing to experience."

Karen, likewise, tweeted: "I'm so sad that Will has decided to quit the show and I know it wasn't an easy decision for him."