Karen Clifton found Will Young's departure from 'Strictly Come Dancing' "unexpected."
Will Young and Karen Clifton
The 37-year-old singer devastated the nation two weeks ago when he announced he had quit the ballroom and latin show due to "personal reasons" but, despite rumours claiming animosity between him and his partner were to blame for his shock exit, the brunette beauty has admitted she had no idea the pop star was planning to bow out.
Speaking to the Daily Express newspaper, she said: "I've spoken to him a couple of times and we text. He's doing well. It's unexpected and it's sad but it's just the way it is."
And, although he only managed to survive the glitz and glamour of the live shows for two weeks, Karen - whose husband is Kevin Clifton - thinks they could have gone far.
She explained: "We had the best time, I love him to pieces and we had three amazing weeks on 'Strictly...' that I'm going to remember always. He was a hard worker, he always came in and gave 150 per cent. I couldn't ask for a better student."
Her time on the show this year may have reached the end but the 34-year-old star is determined to keep her spirits up by taking part in the spin-off 'It Takes Two'.
She said: "I'm going to be on 'It Takes Two' and possibly 'Children in Need'. My husband Kevin and I have a tour coming up in 2017 and I'm staying in shape as much as I possibly can. I'm just staying positive."
Will has remained tight lipped on his reason for leaving the show, but his decision came a few days after he locked horns with head judge Len Goodman over his Bollywood inspired Salsa routine during a live show earlier this month.
The 72-year-old dancer thought the energetic display lacked the traditional dance moves of a Salsa, to which Will argued his routine contained all 24 counts needed.
However, Len had the last word as he told the 'Leave Right Now' hitmaker to "show up, keep up, and shut up."
Will has previously opened up about his "horrendous" battle with depression, for which he spent time in rehab.
Tagged in Will Young