Strictly Come Dancing fans will associate the glitzy BBC show with many romance splits – but relationship breakdowns are not the only tragedies associated with the programme.
The universally loved ballroom dancing competition has been in full operation for a staggering 19 series and welcomed over 260 contestants since the programme first aired in 2004.
While Strictly has given viewers much love and warmth across the years there has also been heartache where many of the stars of the show have been concerned.
READ MORE: BBC Strictly fans outraged as they say it’s ‘time for one star to go’ after latest axing
Fans across the globe have been left emotional after learning that some of their favourite celebrities – who once astounded the judges with their sheer awesomeness – had sadly slipped away.
Len Goodman
(Image: Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Len Goodman was a legend on the famous BBC One dancing show as a very popular judge.
Sadly at age 78 – just days before his birthday – the Strictly legend died following a battle with bone cancer and passed in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
The TV favourite, who died on April 22, 2023, was surrounded by his family prior to his passing.
He appeared on Strictly from its launch in 2004 until 2016 and later appeared on the US version, Dancing With The Stars, from 2005 until 2022.
Last November, the TV star announced on Dancing With The Stars that he would be hanging up his scoring paddle for the last time at the end of that series.
He told viewers: “This will be my last season judging Dancing With the Stars.
“I’ve been on the show since it started in 2005, and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show but I’ve decided I want to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain.”
Willie Thorne
(Image: BBC)
In 2020, the news shattered the hearts of many die hard fans that professional snooker player and funnyman Willie Thorne had sadly lost his battle with leukaemia.
Willie formed part of the 2007 line-up which included some serious competition from Britain’s Got Talent judge and overall winner that year, Alesha Dixon.
With that particular year having really strong contenders such as Gethin Jones and Matt Di Angelo – it was no surprise to anyone watching at home that Willie was out of the race quite early on.
He finished in 12th place with professional Latin ballroom dancer Erin Boag.
After Erin had learned about her partners death, she took to social media to share a message from the heart.
She wrote: “I have truly wonderful memories of the time I spent with him. I feel honoured to have danced with this great man.”
Caroline Flack
(Image: Getty Images)
Caroline Flack’s death shocked her loved ones and fans following the devastating loss.
The former X Factor presenter hedged her bets and decided to throw her hat in the ring for Strictly in 2014 – which was one year before she’d landed the starring role as Love Island host.
She proved to be an instant hit with fans, not only due to her fun loving nature but because she showed rhythm, flexibility and agility like no other.
Caroline proved that with hard work and determination she could go all the way in the competition, and she did just that with a huge smile on her face.
The TV star had been pared with Pasha Kovalev with the twosome landing first place after being awarded a perfect score of 120 points by the entire judging panel.
In February 2020, Caroline was found dead in her North London home at the age of 40, after she’d taken her own life.
A family statement at the time read: “We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February.
“We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.”
After hearing the sad news, the BBC decided to pay an emotional tribute to fun-loving Caroline on the programme.
Judge Bruno Tonioli said: “She really was a joy. We will always love Caroline and we will never forget her.”
Bruce Forsyth
(Image: WireImage)
The Strictly cast and fans alike have never really got over the loss of the original frontman and host Sir Bruce Forsyth.
Bruce had given his whole life to the entertainment industry with his on-screen career spanning more than 70 years.
He was an icon in his own right, long before he’d even been cast as the host of the BBC favourite.
In 2014, Bruce stepped down from his co-hosting role alongside Tess Daly – who the TV veteran liked call “Miss Sunshine”.
Just three years later, Strictly would never be the same again after it was confirmed that Bruce had passed away after being taken to hospital for a severe chest infection which then developed into bronchial pneumonia – which the star didn’t get over.
At the time, Tess said in a warm statement: “From the moment we met, Bruce and I did nothing but laugh our way through a decade of working together on Strictly Come Dancing and I will never forget his generosity, his brilliant sense of humour and his drive to entertain.”
Paul Daniels
(Image: PA)
The magician had been better known for his role alongside his glamorous wife and assistant Debbie McGee with The Paul Daniels Magic Show dominating screens for 15 years.
In 2010, at the ripe age of 71, Paul tried his hand on the BBC dance floor alongside professional dancer Ola Jordan.
While they only managed to remain in the competition for a few short weeks, they certainly delivered a number of memorable performances.
The curtain sadly came down on his career and life when he passed away at home in 2016, leaving wife Debbie totally devastated.
A year later, Debbie decided she wanted to make her husband proud and also joined the 2017 ranks in the fight for the Glitterball trophy.
She certainly put up a good battle in honour of her husband and reached the final alongside Giovanni Pernice
Gary Rhodes
(Image: BBC)
The sudden death of Gary Rhodes in 2019 is one tragedy that people are still trying to come to terms with.
Much to the shock of the entire nation, the TV chef’s family confirmed that Gary had passed away suddenly at his home in Dubai.
The family statement read: “In order to end painful speculation surrounding the sudden passing of our beloved Gary Rhodes OBE, the Rhodes family can confirm that after a successful day shooting with Rock Oyster Media for ITV here in Dubai, Gary returned home in a very happy mood for a peaceful evening with his wife Jennie.
“After dinner, Gary unfortunately collapsed in their residence and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately passed away due to subdural haematoma.
“At this time, there are no other details and the family would again request privacy around this very tragic loss and again, thank friends and family for their ongoing support at this time.”
Karen Hardy had been partnered with Gary on Strictly in 2008, in a heartfelt statement she said: “I am truly speechless and lost for words but my heart and thoughts go out to his beautiful family at this time.”
Lynda Bellingham
(Image: PA)
Loose Women and TV star Lynda Bellingham became the first celebrity to sadly pass away after appearing on Strictly.
She was much loved for her performances in All Creatures Great and Small, Doctor Who and playing the role of the Oxo gravy mum in the much loved tv adverts during the 80s.
Lynda proved she had heart and stamina as she waltzed alongside dancer Darren Bennet in 2009.
The pair were up against some tough opponents and were therefore voted off in the fourth week.
In 2013, Lynda was sadly diagnosed with cancer and lost her life to disease just over a year later at the age of 66.
She left behind her two adult sons and husband Michael Pattemore.
Jason Wood
(Image: handout)
The Luton-born comedian appeared on the first series of Strictly back in 2004 with his professional dance partner Kylie Jones.
Unfortunately, the dancing duo were the first celebrity couple to leave the ballroom competition after he performed a crowd-pleasing Rumba and a Waltz.
The big personality was also known for his brilliant impressions of singers ranging from Pavarotti to Morrissey, and for performing at the Hackney Empire and Shepherd’s Bush Empire when he was just 18-year-old.
He was also known as a regular performer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he would regularly delight fans with his hilarious jokes in addition to headlining at comedy clubs up and down the country.
It is understood that the stand-up comic sadly passed away in his sleep at the age of 38 in his cottage in Sundon, Bedfordshire on February 20,2010.
He was survived by his father Brian and his sister Ann as well as his loving dog Jim.
Neale Pirie
(Image: getty)
Strictly hair stylist designer Neale died suddenly just a month before the 2015 series hit the airwaves which would have been his fifth year on the BBC show.
Hours before his death, the celebrity stylist had phoned relatives complaining of chest pains just hours before his passing.
According to reports, by by the time paramedics arrived at his Leicester home the medical professionals were unable to revive him.
Following the news of his passing, his colleagues on the BBC show flooded to Twitter to pass on their condolences to his friends and family online.
Strictly’s head makeup artist Lisa Armstrong took to social media, where she wrote: “Utterly devastated and heartbroken over the loss of my sidekick and dear friend @Nealepirie such a talent and inspiration!”
Neal was also known for his work on Skyfall and The Voice, as well for working with his A list clients including Abbey Clancy.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
