Star-studded audience gather for Strictly's BBC centenary special as viewers get emotional over Bruce Forsyth tribute

Strictly Come Dancing attracted a star-studded audience for the BBC centenary special episode as show alumni and famous fans were spotted in the audience.

But viewers were emotional as an opening number celebrating the BBC's greatest hits paid tribute to late Strictly host Sir Bruce Forsyth.

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Tonight's live episode features dances to theme tunes from some of the broadcaster's most successful programmes, and many stars of the shows inspiring the routines - as well as former Strictly contestants - popped up in the crowd.

EastEnders was well represented, with reigning champion Rose Ayling-Ellis, Scott Maslen and Gillian Wright all in the ballroom to watch co-star James Bye Foxtrot to the soap's theme with partner Amy Dowden.

Other stars spotted in the audience included Sara Cox, Kimberley Walsh, Angela Rippon and last year's contestant Dan Walker.

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This week, the terms and conditions were announced by newsreader Moira Stuart, while a celeb-packed opening number from the pro cast saw Owain Wyn Evans, who became close friends with Strictly dancer Dianne Buswell during Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof, play the drums with Pudsey bear.

It featured many of the BBC's stars and programmes, including Huw Edwards, Naga Munchetty, Graham Norton and the cast of EastEnders and Casualty.

But the part viewers loved the most was the inclusion of footage of late BBC stars Sir Bruce Forsyth and Come Dancing host Sir Terry Wogan.

Former Strictly pro James Jordan tweeted: "Great nod to the amazing Bruce Forsyth."

Viewers agreed, as one person wrote: "You can just imagine Bruce in the middle of all of this. Miss him so much."

Someone else added: "Lovely to see Bruce and Terry."

Another person tweeted: "Not me bursting into tears at Tell & Bruce. Damn my kindle age hormones."

Someone else wrote: "Aww..the 'nod' to Bruce and Terry!"

Theme tunes featured in tonight's show include The Apprentice, Doctor Who, Grange Hill and Blue Peter.

Strictly Come Dancing's results show is on Sunday at 6.45pm on BBC One.

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