BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans left crying over tributes to 'much loved' stars

Strictly Come Dancing fans were overcome with emotion as the BBC paid a heartfelt tribute to cherished stars whom we have lost.

At the close of the opening programme on Saturday (September 14) night, viewers were presented with images of the late Robin Windsor, a former Strictly professional dancer, and ex-contestant Dave Myers from Hairy Bikers, who graced the dance floor in 2013. They appeared alongside the poignant inscription: "In loving memory of Dave Myers 1957-2024 and Robin Windsor 1979-2024."

Dave passed away on February 28 at 66 years of age, surrounded by his loved ones, after battling cancer while Robin was tragically found deceased on February 19 at 44 in his hotel room.

Fans flooded X, previously known as Twitter, with their thoughts. One viewer wrote: "Oh the dedications to Dave and Robin at the end" followed by crying face emojis.

Another shared: "Oh heck the Dave Myers and Robin Windsor tributes at the end took my breath away a bit.", reports the Mirror.

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Echoing these sentiments, another fan remarked: "Nice touch there at the end of #Strictly. Remembering Dave Myers and Robin Windsor." While someone else commented: "Touching tribute to Dave Meyers and Robin Windsor at the end of tonight's #Strictly I enjoyed the whole launch show."

Earlier during the episode, the audience was deeply moved by a special gesture in honour of the late Sir Bruce Forsyth in the 2024 series opener.

Before the celebrity contestants were paired with their professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing, an exhilarating group dance set the stage alight, featuring the show's live band leader Dave Arch, presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, as well as all the judges joining in with this year's pros.

Bruce and Tess Strictly
Bruce and Tess Strictly

Their journey started at the iconic BBC Television Centre, where they arrived not just on any old bus, but one paying a heartfelt tribute to the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, fondly remembered co-host of the show.

The 2023 season of Strictly marks two decades since its debut on BBC One. The show, which first charmed audiences in 2004, was originally helmed by Tess Daly and Sir Bruce.

Although Bruce passed away in 2017, the BBC ensured his memory shone brightly during the 20th-anniversary festivities.

Emotion filled the air as Aljaz Skorjanec steered the bus into the studio, with astute viewers noticing a touching homage to Bruce in the form of the vehicles custom number plate, which left many reaching for tissues.

Fans took to social media to express their appreciation for the gesture, with comments like "#Strictly #Scd What a lovely nod to Sir Bruce Forsyth #Bus #Strictlycomedancing."

and "Loving the reg on the #Strictly bus, BRUCIE, never forgotten."

Others couldn't hold back tears, as one viewer remarked, "The tribute to Brucie on Strictly, nope not crying at all #Strictly," while someone else conveyed, "The Brucie licence plate on the bus has sent me already. I bloody love #Strictly."

Further praise came with posts such as "The Brucie numberplate. Nice touch #Strictly," and another viewer pointed out, "Omgg the bus is called Brucie #Strictly."

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One