BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans in tears over emotional tribute to Bruce Forsyth

Strictly Come Dancing fans were deeply moved when they noticed a heartfelt tribute to the late presenter Sir Bruce Forsyth during the opening of the 2024 launch show.

Before the 15 anxious celebrities discovered their professional dance partners, an energetic group dance was performed featuring Dave Arch, Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman, all the judges and this year's professional dancers.

They made their way to the BBC Television Centre on a bus, but not just any bus - it bore a poignant tribute to the show's former host, the late Sir Bruce. This year marks two decades since Strictly first aired on BBC One, originally hosted by Tess and the late Sir Bruce in 2004.

Bruce sadly passed away in 2017, but the BBC ensured his memory was honoured as the 20th anniversary celebrations began. As Aljaz Skorjanec drove the bus into the studio, viewers at home noticed a touching tribute to Bruce on the bus' number plate, which brought many to tears.

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The special tribute to Brucie left some fans in tears. On X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer posted: "#Strictly #Scd What a lovely nod to Sir Bruce Forsyth #Bus #Strictlycomedancing."

Another commented: "Loving the reg on the #Strictly bus, BRUCIE, never forgotten.", reports the Mirror. "The tribute to Brucie on Strictly, nope not crying at all #Strictly," a third shared.

Bruce Forsyth bus
Bruce Forsyth bus

One fan was delighted, tweeting: "The Brucie licence plate on the bus has sent me already. I bloody love #Strictly."

Another added their praise, saying: "The Brucie numberplate. Nice touch #Strictly," and another viewer expressed their excitement online: "Omgg the bus is called Brucie #Strictly."

In a touching moment during the launch show, Amy Dowden made her comeback to the BBC ballroom after a year's hiatus due to her cancer battle. Wearing pink from head to toe a nod to breast cancer awareness Amy was in the limelight as she performed with the other professional dancers.

Viewers were moved by her return, with one sharing: "Not me getting emotional at Amy's return," while another commented: "So lovely to see Amy Dowden back in the spotlight where she belongs,".

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One