Rowles pulls out of Dancing with the Stars

John Rowles and Krystal Stuart on Dancing with the Stars. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand music legend John Rowles is taking his dancing shoes off, announcing he has pulled out of TV2 show Dancing With The Stars.

Mr Rowles said he made the decision after taking medical advice.

"I am suffering from exhaustion, and am unable to continue with the demands of rehearsing for and appearing on Dancing With The Stars. I have been advised to rest," he said.

"I would like to thank the viewers who voted for me in the first few weeks, and to thank Krystal for all the hard work she put into training me and choreographing our dances."

The 61-year-old crooner would not appear on tomorrow night's show, with no other contestants facing elimination this week.

Votes already cast for other celebrity dancers would accumulate and added towards next week's voting.

TVNZ head of television Jeff Latch said he was sad to see the "New Zealand entertainment icon" leave the show but accepted the decision.

"He struck a chord with viewers and ... has been a talented and entertaining contestant."

- NZPA