Len Goodman snapped at Will Young because he talked back to him.

Len Goodman

Len Goodman

The 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge was not impressed when Will hit back at him after he gave him some feedback on his Salsa earlier in the series and says he would have been less harsh if Will had kept quiet.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: "I told him I would have liked to have seen a bit more Salsa content and he said 'well there was 24 bars of recognisable' and I said 'well I didn't see it'.

"I then said 'turn up, keep up and shut up'. I was going to say 'turn up, keep up and never give up' because I had that in my head as a line for some time which would have been nice.

"But because he went on like that and I had that little line in my head it ended up as it ended up."

Will quit the show soon after the clash but Len insists it was not his fault.

He explained: "It was unfortunate that he went the week I said to him he has to 'turn up, keep up and shut up'.

"But it wasn't said in a vicious way. I said there wasn't enough content which really isn't even a pop at him - it's a pop at the choreographer.

"I did ask other people if it was because of that he packed it in and I've been assured it wasn't."

Will shocked the nation when he announced he had quit the ballroom and latin show due to "personal reasons".

And, despite viewers speculating his on-screen feud with head judge Len over his energetic Salsa had something to do with his decision, Will was adamant his departure was "undramatic".

He 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. To be a part of 'Strictly...' has been a long time ambition of mine. As a performer, a viewer, and a fan of the show, to dance as a contestant was an experience I always hoped for."