Former Strictly Come Dancing professional reveals he 'battled a deep depression' after being axed from show's lineup - as he announces move across the pond

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Cameron Lombard has revealed he 'battled a deep depression' after being axed from the show's line-up last year. 

The South African dancer left the show last April citing that he was moving on to other 'exciting opportunities'.

But he has now opened up about the months that followed his departure from Strictly, after taking to Instagram on Sunday.

'A year ago, my world shifted when I didn't make the Strictly Come Dancing lineup,' Cameron wrote. 'What followed was a battle with deep depression, trying to fill the emptiness that success once occupied.'

Cameron also shared a snap of himself with a suitcase at the airport as he revealed he was moving to Miami, in a decision he branded a 'rebirth'.

His post read: '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. 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.'

He added: 'It is proof that when we fall, we can rise again, stronger and more determined. 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 shit only I can feel. They Forget That I’ve Been Anointed & Prayed For & God Will Forever Be The Greatest In My Story !!

Representatives for Strictly declined to comment. 

After news of his departure broke, Cameron took to Instagram, writing: 'The last few years have been a blast. Thank you @bbcstrictly for the life changing opportunity and for the best experience any one could wish for. 

'I will forever be grateful and I’ve loved every minute, danced on the worlds biggest stages, met the world's best fans, performed for thousands of people as well as millions watching around the world and have made friends for life that I’ll cherish forever. 

I can't wait to share with you some exciting future projects and plans ❤️ See you in the movies.'

A Strictly spokesperson told MailOnline at the time: 'Cameron is a fantastic performer and we have loved working with him for the past two years on Strictly.

'He is currently pursuing other opportunities but will always be part of the family and our door will always be open to him in the future.'

Cameron is the South African Latin Champion and even represented South Africa at the World Latin Championships in 2019 - also running his own dance school. 

He started competing aged six and has won 18 national titles across Ballroom and Latin during his decorated dance career.

When he joined the line-up in 20221, he called it a 'life changing opportunity', saying: 'Not only is this a dream come true but a challenge I am accepting with both hands.

'I am excited beyond imagination and looking forward to leaving my mark on the dance floor!' 

Clearly happy about his relocation to the UK at the time, Cameron shared a slew of snaps showing his London arrival with his 5,761 Instagram followers.

As well as sharing an image from Cape Town International Airport with the caption: 'Certified London Boy' last month. He also embarked on a sightseeing tour starting with a trip to Buckingham Palace.