Karen Clifton had to put on a "tough face" when Will Young quit 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Will Young and Karen Clifton
The 34-year-old professional dancer had to put on a front when she found out Will - who she was paired with for the last series of the ballroom and latin show - wanted to opt out of the programme following a public spat with former head judge Len Goodman.
Speaking on 'Good Morning Britain' on Tuesday (10.01.17), the brunette beauty - who is married to fellow performer Kevin Clifton - said: "I had to put a tough face on that one, I'm not going to lie."
And Will's sudden departure, which took place just two weeks in to the competition, also came as a shock to the series' champion Ore Oduba and all of the other contestants.
The 31-year-old sports presenter said: "It was a surprise to all of us."
Will claimed he was leaving the show due to "personal reasons" but Piers Morgan - who was presenting 'GMB' - thought his excuse was "pretty poor".
The show's co-host said: "I think it was pretty poor."
Meanwhile, Ore and Karen are hoping to dance their way to the top of the leader board later this month as the pair team up for the 'Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour', alongside Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton, Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse, Ed Balls and Katya Jones, Daisy Lowe and Aljaz Skorjanec, as well as Lesley Joseph and Gorka Marquez.
Although the 'Evergreen' hitmaker missed the opportunity to show off his moves to the nation, Will promised he would tune in ever week to watch his co-stars perform.
Speaking previously, he said: "Unfortunately, I am leaving the show for personal reasons.
"I leave with joy in my heart that I have been able to take part in one of the most loved shows on British television.
"Although I am back to being a viewer again, I'm certainly going to 'keeeep dancing.'"
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