Greg Wise has praised Robert Webb for being "doubly brave" after he quit 'Strictly Come Dancing' last night (13.10.21).
Greg Wise
The 55-year-old actor - who is competing on the Latin and ballroom show alongside pro partner Karen Hauer - has wished the 'Peep Show' star well after he left the programme yesterday due to "ill health".
Speaking on 'Lorraine', Greg said: "I wrote to him yesterday evening when he sent us all this beautiful note.
"I said, 'Look, mate. You are brave twice. You are so brave to have done this in the first place, and then doubly brave to have said you have to stop now. It takes immense courage.' "
Robert - who was partnered with Dianne Buswell on the show - told last night how he had decided to withdraw from the competition after seeking an "urgent consultation" with a specialist overseeing his recovery from heart surgery.
He said in a statement: "I'm extremely sorry to have to announce that I'm withdrawing from 'Strictly Come Dancing' due to ill health.
"Two years ago I had open heart surgery and although I believed I was fit enough to take on 'Strictly' and its demanding schedule, it became clear that I had bitten off way more than I could chew for this stage in my recovery.
"I had begun to feel symptoms that led me to seek an urgent consultation with my heart specialist, and it was her view that it would be better for the sake of my health to step back from the show."
Dianne is "proud" of the three dances she and Robert produced before their early exit.
She said: "As a massive fan of Robert's I was delighted to find out that he was joining the 'Strictly' family.
"On top of this, to find out he was my partner was the icing on the cake. We made a great team, worked hard and had a good laugh along the way.
"I am so proud of the three amazing dances we produced.
"I know Robert had a lot more to give to the competition but his health of course comes first and I wish him a speedy recovery. I feel lucky to have danced with him and to call him a friend."
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