Bruce Forsyth tribute leaves BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers in tears

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left overcome with emotional as they spotted a special nod to Sir Bruce Forsyth during the opening on the 2024 launch show.

Before the nervous celebrities found out their professional dance partners, it was time for an energetic group dance with Dave Arch, Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman and all the judges joining this year’s professional dancers.

They travelled to the BBC Television Centre via a special bus feauring a very poignant tribute to the show’s former host, the late Sir Bruce.

This year marks 20 years since Strictly first aired on BBC One. It was hosted by Tess and the late Sir Bruce when it launched back in 2004. Bruce sadly passed away in 2017, but the Beeb made sure that he wasn’t forgotten as the 20th anniversary celebrations got underway.

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As Aljaz Skorjanec drove the bus into the studio, viewers watching at home spotted a poignant nod to Bruce in the bus’ number plate, and it brought many to tears.

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

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

Someone else continued: "The Brucie licence plate on the bus has sent me already. I bloody love #Strictly." A fifth posted: "The Brucie numberplate. Nice touch #Strictly," while someone else tweeted: "Omgg the bus is called Brucie #Strictly."

Elsewhere during the launch show, Amy Dowden returned to the BBC ballroom after taking a year out following a cancer diagnosis. Dressed head-to-toe in pink – the colour used to symbolise breast cancer awareness – Amy took centre stage as she danced with the rest of the pro cast.

“Not me getting emotional at Amy’s return,” said one viewer. “So lovely to see Amy Dowden back in the spotlight where she belongs,” said another.

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One