Strictly fans react as show airs heart-wrenching tribute to late stars

As a long-time Strictly Come Dancing enthusiast, I must say that last night’s 20th anniversary special was a poignant and heartfelt celebration of all things Strictly. However, it wasn’t just about the sequins, glitz, and glamour – it was also about the people who have made this show so special over the years.

Last night, I was treated to a spectacular tribute to 20 years of Strictly Come Dancing, a show that has become a beloved staple in British television. The episode brought together an impressive ensemble of familiar faces, each reminiscing about the incredible peaks the BBC’s dance sensation has reached over the past two decades.

However, it’s worth noting that some stars who once graced Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years were conspicuously absent. In a touching remembrance, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman paid tribute to members of the Strictly family we’ve sadly lost over the years.

Tess emphasized, ‘We truly consider each other as family.’ It’s been incredibly lucky for us to form such enduring friendships and connections with the people who have performed alongside us.

As we celebrate our 20-year milestone, I can’t help but reminisce about the captivating dancers who graced our silver screen, stars whose radiance we deeply cherished and unfortunately have had to say goodbye to.

In the broadcast of the festive event, they played a collection of clips that included, among several others, Lynda Bellingham, Paul Daniels, Dave Myers, Robin Windsor, Len Goodman, Caroline Flack, and Bill Turnbull.

Karen Hardy, a former professional dancer from Strictly, reminisced about her past with BBC Breakfast icon Bill Turnbull, whom she partnered with in 2005. She shared that the moments they spent together on the show would be etched in her memory forever.

Together, we embarked on an extraordinary adventure, and it was a privilege to share the dance floor with him.

Lisa Riley remembered one of Strictly’s brightest stars and former pros, the incomparable Robin.

The person who paired me with Robin Windsor must have won the grandest award imaginable, even more so than the Glitterball, they claimed.

One of the most enjoyable moments for me used to be when Robin would come over, we’d share a couple of cups of tea, chat away like long-time friends on our cozy couch. It feels like he’s still here with me, but I deeply miss his presence.

The actress, still emotional, confirmed that he’s now dancing a Foxtrot up there, as she had known all along. During his funeral, she expressed this in her eulogy, saying ‘One day we will dance the Foxtrot again.’ She genuinely holds on to this belief.

A sequence of celestial bodies honored long-time Strictly mainstay Len, who served as the Chief Judge on the adored show from its debut in 2004 until 2016.

Claudia said about Len, ‘He was truly exceptional; he had a unique charm.’ He was thoughtful, playful, mischievous, but above all, incredibly supportive towards everyone.

As a movie-loving aficionado, I can’t help but recall the days when Len was judging alongside Bruno Tonioli, my dear friend and fellow dance critic. Not to mention Tess, the captivating radio host who graced It Takes Two as its presenter, or the talented Aljaz Skorjanec, a dancer whose moves on the dance floor left us all in awe. These were the faces that made up our beloved dance community, and I can’t help but cherish those memories.

And, of course, the in memoriam segment remembered series’ original host, the iconic Bruce Forsyth.

Zoe Ball stated, “There’s no one quite like Bruce Forsyth these days. You could see his passion for the show, but I believe he would approve of Tess and Claudia.

People who watched the special event shared their heartfelt responses online after being touched by the memorials that were presented.

“I didn’t expect this Strictly doc to make me cry so much,” one person wrote on X.

Wow, that felt quite moving as it honored those stars and dancers who are sadly gone,” someone commented. “I’m not sure if it’s allergies or I’m holding back tears. You got me.

Wow, that heartfelt tribute really got to me, as well as many others who admired those dancers and stars we lost. I’ve got a sneezing fit or I’m just tearing up – you seem to be doing the same. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing

— Neil Riach (@neilriach) December 21, 2024

“The tribute part on Strictly left me weeping profusely, it’s been a while since I cried that much,” someone commented. “Strictly has always been like a beacon of light for me during tough times, and it holds a special place in my heart because it’s accompanied me through the most challenging periods of my life. Tonight’s special episode had me crying throughout, it was incredibly emotional.” (sic)

memorials section of strictly had me in floods of tears ive not cried like that in a long time

— alina ! (@strictlylina) December 21, 2024

2024-12-22 15:34

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