Strictly fans in tears over show’s tribute to late stars including Robin Windsor

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in floods of tears as the show paid tribute to stars who have died, including Robin Windsor and Caroline Flack.

The BBC celebrated the 20th anniversary of Strictly in a special episode on Saturday night (December 22) called Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years.

Throughout the installment, those involved – hosts, pro dancers, judges and celebrity contestants – talk about their time on the glitzy BBC One show.

But things take an emotional turn when eating takes a moment to remember those we’ve lost over the years.

Strictly pay tribute to the stars including Robin Windsor

At one point in the documentary, Strictly paid tribute to the stars the show had “loved and lost” since it began in 2004.

Opening section, host Tess Daly said: “It’s definitely a family. We are very happy to have been friends for a long time and bond with the people who have shared the stage with us.

Claudia Winkleman then added: “In the year that marks our 20th anniversary, we want to remember the ballroom stars we loved and lost.”

It’s really emotional

The documentary went on to pay tribute to stars including TV presenter Caroline Flack – who sadly took her own life in 2020 – and pro dancer Robin Windsor – who died earlier this year in February.

Caroline Flack’s pro dancer partner Aljaz Skorjanec describes himself as “one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met”.

Meanwhile Lisa Riley – who danced with Robin in 2012 – started to laugh when she talked about Robin. He shared: “I know very well that he’s on top now. He danced the foxtrot. I mentioned it in the speech when I read it at his funeral. I said, ‘One day, we’ll dance that foxtrot together again.’ And… I really believe that.”

Who else strictly pays tribute to?

The show also paid tribute to Dave Myers – beloved TV chef who participated in 2013.

Dave’s dance partner, Karen Hauer, said: “Dave Myers loved it, he loved to dance, he loved to make people happy.”

The judge of the current show Anton Du Beke also broke down in tears, when remembering the late Len Goodman. Len was the head judge from 200 to 4 in 2016. He died in April 2023 after a cancer diagnosis.

Strictly speaking: Anton breaks down to talk about Len

Looks emotional, Anton trying to put into words how much Len meant to him. He said: “I feel difficult.” The dancer then began to cry, as she added: “Look at me I must be old.”

He continued: “It’s hard for me to talk about Len without getting emotional because he was first, and I loved him. He was, he was amazing. If I could be a better judge than Len, I would be.

Strictly fans ‘cry a lot’ after Robin Windsor’s tribute

Fans watching Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years couldn’t contain their emotions as the show paid tribute to the late star of the series.

On X, one person said: “Gosh, it’s an emotional tribute to a dancer and a star who is no longer with us. It’s either the beginning of hay fever or I’m not crying. You.”

Someone else wrote: “Oh my bad, I’m crying.” Strictly speaking.” A third wrote: “I love this show so much I’m crying.”

Another person agreed: “Okay, Lisa talking about Robin blew me away.”

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