BBC Strictly Come Dancing honours late stars in tear-jerking launch show tribute
Strictly Come Dancing fans were moved during the latest BBC show as it honoured dearly missed stars.
At the conclusion of Saturday (September 14) night's opening episode, tributes poured in for ex-professional dancer Robin Windsor and former contestant Dave Myers of Hairy Bikers fame, both of whom sadly passed away.
Their Strictly portraits were displayed with a tribute that read: "In loving memory of Dave Myers 1957-2024 and Robin Windsor 1979-2024."
Dave Myers passed on February 28 at the age of 66 surrounded by loved ones after a valiant fight with cancer. Robin Windsor was found deceased on February 19 at the age of 44 in a hotel room.
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Audience members took to social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, to express their sentiments following the homage. One viewer wrote: "Oh the dedications to Dave and Robin at the end" accompanied by several tearful emojis, reports the Mirror.
Another viewer commented: "Oh heck the Dave Myers and Robin Windsor tributes at the end took my breath away a bit." Someone else concurred: "Nice touch there at the end of #Strictly. Remembering Dave Myers and Robin Windsor."
Meanwhile, another fan remarked: "Touching tribute to Dave Myers and Robin Windsor at the end of tonight's #Strictly I enjoyed the whole launch show."
Earlier in the broadcast, there was also a poignant salute spotted by viewers to the late TV legend Sir Bruce Forsyth during the premiere segment of the 2024 series.
Before the 15 eager celebrities were paired with their professional dancers, viewers were treated to a high-energy group performance featuring Dave Arch, Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman, and all the judges alongside this year's pros.
The journey to BBC Television Centre was made on a bus, but not just any ordinary bus it paid a heartfelt tribute to the show's beloved former host, the late Sir Bruce Forsyth.
This year is particularly special as it marks the 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing's debut on BBC One. The show was originally presented by Tess Daly and the late Sir Bruce Forsyth when it premiered in 2004.
Although Bruce Forsyth passed away in 2017, his memory was honoured as the 20th-anniversary festivities began.
As Aljaz Skorjanec drove the bus into the studio, those watching at home noticed a touching homage to Sir Bruce in the form of the bus' number plate, which moved many to tears.
Fans took to social media to express their emotions, with one viewer commenting: "#Strictly #Scd What a lovely nod to Sir Bruce Forsyth #Bus #Strictlycomedancing."
Another shared their appreciation, saying: "Loving the reg on the #Strictly bus, BRUCIE, never forgotten." "The tribute to Brucie on Strictly, nope not crying at all #Strictly," remarked a third.
Another person wrote: "The Brucie licence plate on the bus has sent me already. I bloody love #Strictly." A fifth chimed in: "The Brucie numberplate. Nice touch #Strictly," while yet another tweet read: "Omgg the bus is called Brucie #Strictly."
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One