Strictly judge Craig Revel-Horwood has revealed that the show’s “heart-wrenching” tribute to the late Caroline Flack moved him to tears.
Caroline, who won the show in 2014, tragically took her own life in February this year.
On Saturday, ahead of the 2020 series’ opener, Caroline will be honoured during the Best of the Final show.
The tribute, which Lorraine viewers got a preview of during today’s programme, features a number of Strictly stars including Claudia Winkleman, Tess Daly, Bruno Tonioli and former contestant Frankie Bridge telling what Caroline meant to them.
Craig will also feature, and told the Mirror that it was tough for him to make it through without shedding a few tears.
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Chatting to us on Facebook Live, Craig told: “I found it really difficult [to film]. When it came to the tribute to Caroline, it was so heartbreaking.
“I was just thinking how amazing she was as a dancer, and she also came on tour with us so I got to know her quite well.”
He added: “She was just such a beautiful, beautiful woman and dancer. It was just heart-wrenching, and I found it really difficult to talk about her without welling up, I really did.
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“I had to really get myself together for that one, because it was a shock to not only us and the people on Strictly, but to everyone who’s ever worked with her, and of course to the audience that loved her at home as well.
“So I think a fitting tribute to a really special and wonderful person.”
Caroline lifted the Glitterball Trophy in 2014 alongside pro partner Pasha Kovalev, describing her stint on the show as the “best experience of her whole life.”
Craig will be returning to judging duties for the new series, which kicks off later this month.
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Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse will also be back, but sadly Bruno won’t be in the UK for this series after Covid threw a spanner in his travel plans.
He’s been filming for the US version, Dancing With The Stars.
Tess and Claudia will also be returning, though Claudia’s usual post-dance debriefs will be with couples one at a time rather than as a group.
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And 2020’s show will make Strictly history with the first same-sex competing couple, in the shape of Olympic boxing champ Nicola Adams and her pro partner Katya Jones.
The full line-up is looking to be one of the most star-studded yet.
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