[Arneldo]

Strictly Come Dancing star Camilla Dallerup has confirmed that she will not return for the next series of the programme.

The professional dancer was part of the show's original lineup in 2004 and has since appeared in every series. Last month, she secured victory for the first time with her celebrity partner Tom Chambers.

"I think some people will be surprised at my decision but I feel now is the right time to go," Dallerup told the News Of The World. "I have to follow my dreams."

"I need to give other things a go before I settle down and have a family," she continued. "Winning the show was just the icing on the cake. I've always been told to leave a party when you're having a good time."

Dallerup has now called for a major revamp of the competition's voting system in the wake of the high-profile semi-final problems last month. Show producers were forced to cancel a planned elimination after the judges' scores made it impossible for viewer votes to save Chambers.

Speaking about the panel, she explained: "I think they should just act as guides to the public, who then have complete control over who goes through to the next round. The British public spend their money and want to know their call makes a difference."

She added: "Strictly's an entertainment show, not a professional competition. The public love people who can't dance as well as the other contestants but are great entertainers."

DS