Host of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two Zoe Ball has offered “lots of love” to Will Young after the singer’s sudden departure from the show.

The 37-year-old has insisted he is “absolutely dandy” but did not elaborate on why he had decided to withdraw, just days after viewers saw him clash with head judge Len Goodman.

Opening It Takes Two on BBC2 on Wednesday evening, Zoe said: “Will Young has withdrawn from this year’s Strictly due to personal reasons.”

“Will sad face.”

She added: “Of course the whole team at Strictly and It Takes Two wish him all the best. He was so brilliant.

“The competition will continue as normal on Saturday with an elimination on Sunday night’s result show. Lots of love to Will.”

In a text to the Radio 2 breakfast show on Wednesday morning, read out by DJ Chris Evans, Will said the reasons for his departure were “all very undramatic”.

“Here’s the thing. I’m absolutely dandy, thanks,” his message said, adding: “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 anyhow.”

Strictly statement -https://t.co/426B5XArm0

— Will Young (@willyoung) October 11, 2016

The Pop Idol winner’s exit came after veteran judge Len told Will to “turn up, keep up, shut up”.

Will sparked speculation about the reasons behind his exit when he told fans on Tuesday that he had withdrawn from the competition for “personal reasons”.

The singer, who was partnered with Karen Clifton, said he left with “joy in my heart that I have been able to take part in one of the most loved shows on British television”.

Will and Karen were due to perform the Viennese waltz to Say Something by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera this weekend.

A Strictly spokesman said the competition will proceed as normal, with a results show on Sunday, when a third celebrity will be eliminated following the public vote.