BBC Strictly Come Dancing star says ''it was kept from me' after family tragedy

A BBC Strictly Come Dancing star has explained how a family tragedy was "kept from him" on the show. BBC star Ugo Monye, a regular rugby union podcast on the BBC Sport team, says his dad's cancer was hidden and he didn't find out until after his death.

The rugby union legend danced on Strictly Come Dancing "hours" after the funeral. Ugo lost his dad Theophilus, 81, who died of prostate cancer three weeks before the 2021 contest started, when Ugo was paired up with Oti Mabuse.

“His carer knew but I’m not sure how much information he was given about how sick he was," the 41-year-old told the Sun newspaper. “They didn’t pass it on through fear and worry. It’s amazing what decisions people make when they want to try and comfort people and keep them at ease.”

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He said: “Dad lived in Nigeria after splitting from my mum more than 15 years ago and I’d not seen him for several years. It’s like anything though, when it comes to the end, you do a lot of reflecting, deep thinking and introspection about everything, what could have been.

"Sadly, sometimes you don’t get a chance to do things differently.” Ugo said: “I can’t provide a coherent answer on how I got through that (Strictly) night. I always knew the day would be a difficult one.

"Strictly was a distraction during that time and part of me was grateful for that distraction and release.” At the time, he told viewers: "So my dad passed away a couple of weeks ago, prostate cancer, and we had his funeral this morning.

"During the funeral, they spoke about today being a day of celebration - and that's exactly how today feels. So there's no better way of celebrating him by dancing. Tonight feels really special.”