Strictly Come Dancing pro breaks silence on 'deep depression' after show axe (original) (raw)
Strictly Come Dancing returned on Saturday for its new series and following the launch former pro Cameron Lombard reflected on his departure from the BBC show last year
Former Strictly Come Dancing dancer Cameron Lombard has posted about his departure
A former Strictly Come Dancing pro has shared that he experienced "deep depression" after not making the line-up on the show, ahead of "entering a new chapter" of his life.
Cameron Lombard, 23, joined the BBC show back in 2021 but didn't ever have a celebrity partner during his two years as one of its professional dancers. It was announced last year that he had left the show, with it reported at the time that he had "quit" and was "pursuing other opportunities".
Following the launch of the latest series over the weekend, Cameron reflected on his departure from Strictly in a post on Instagram on Sunday night. He also shared in the post, which included a photo of him at an airport with a suitcase by his side, that he's now moved to the US.
He wrote: "A year ago, my world shifted when I didn't make the Strictly Come Dancing lineup. What followed was a battle with deep depression, trying to fill the emptiness that success once occupied. But in that darkness, I found my true strength. Setbacks don't break us - they shape us."
Cameron Lombard joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 but his departure was announced last year (
Image:
Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire)
He's now shared with fans that he struggled in the wake of his exit from the BBC show prior to starting a 'new chapter' abroad (
Image:
Instagram)
Cameron added: "With the unwavering love and support from my wife, my incredible family and a fire inside me that will never die, I'm entering a new chapter. Moving to Miami isn't just a move - it's a rebirth. Here, I will not just dance; I will create, inspire, and leave a mark that can't be erased.
"To those who believed in me, you were my anchor. To the doubters, you make me laugh on the toughest of nights . This journey has tested me, but every fall has only made me rise higher. This is more than a personal triumph; it is a celebration of resilience, of the human spirit's capacity to overcome. It is proof that when we fall, we can rise again, stronger and more determined."
The dancer continued: "My journey has been one of highs and lows, but every step has led me to this moment. A moment filled with possibility, with life, with passion The best is yet to come - not just for me, but for anyone who's ever been knocked down. We rise, We conquer, and We thrive. Together, let's dance through life with passion, resilience, and an unyielding belief in our dreams."
"This is what it takes to get it all, lose it all and get it all back and that's the s**t only I can feel. They forget that I've been anointed and prayed for and God will forever be the greatest in my story," he concluded.
The post was met with support from former colleagues, including fellow dancer Katya Jones, who wrote: "Good luck Cameron." Johannes Radebe said: "Cmon bruv. Go for gold." Aljaž Škorjanec wrote: "Good luck my man." Whilst judge Motsi Mabuse reacted: "Keep going."
If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk
Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.