For hundreds of thousands, Strictly Come Dancing is pure pleasure, however behind the BBC’s largest hit, the present has additionally been shadowed by heartbreak lately. A few of Strictly’s brightest stars have confronted devastating private battles, from skilled favorite Robin Windsor, who was taken far too quickly at simply 40, to former champion Caroline Flack, who introduced unforgettable routines to the ballroom earlier than her tragic dying shocked the nation.
Tennis legend Annabel Croft danced by means of uncooked grief after dropping her husband to most cancers, whereas actress Lynda Bellingham fought her personal battle with the illness earlier than her passing. It hasn’t simply been these within the highlight both. Behind the scenes, beloved crew member Neale Pirie was mourned by colleagues after his sudden dying, exhibiting how deeply the Strictly household is related on and off-screen. And in more moderen instances, skilled dancer Amy Dowden has bravely documented her ongoing battle with breast most cancers, changing into an inspiration to hundreds of thousands.
Robin Windsor – Lifeless at 40
Skilled dancer Robin Windsor was a fan favorite throughout his time on Strictly, showing from 2010 to 2013 with superstar companions together with Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson and Lisa Riley. In February 2024, information broke that Robin had died instantly on the age of simply 40. His explanation for dying was not made public, however tributes poured in from devastated followers and fellow dancers. His former dance companion Lisa Riley described him as “a one in 1,000,000, with the kindest coronary heart,” whereas many remembered his expertise and generosity each on and off the dancefloor.
Caroline Flack – Lifeless at 40
Caroline Flack’s time on Strictly in 2014 was nothing in need of spectacular. She surprised the judges and went on to raise the glitterball trophy with skilled companion Pasha Kovalev. Her Charleston and salsa routines stay a number of the most memorable within the present’s historical past. However away from the dancefloor, Caroline struggled with the pressures of fame and her psychological well being. In February 2020, she tragically took her personal life on the age of 40.
Annabel Croft – Dancing By Grief
Former tennis star Annabel Croft joined Strictly in 2023, simply months after the heartbreaking lack of her husband, Mel Coleman. He died instantly in Could of that 12 months, solely weeks after being identified with stage three abdomen most cancers. Annabel admitted she thought-about pulling out of the present, however went forward, later describing how coaching for Strictly had given her “a cause to get away from bed within the morning”. Viewers have been deeply moved by her story, and her emotional performances with companion Johannes Radebe have been hailed as an inspiring show of power and resilience.
Lynda Bellingham – Most cancers Battle
Beloved actress and Unfastened Girls star Lynda Bellingham joined Strictly in 2009, dancing with Darren Bennett. In 2013, Lynda revealed she had been identified with stage 4 bowel most cancers, which later unfold to her lungs and liver. She spoke brazenly about her sickness, transferring the general public along with her bravery and willpower to spend her closing months along with her household. Lynda sadly handed away in October 2014 on the age of 66.
Neale Pirie – Behind the Scenes Loss
Whereas not a family title, Neale Pirie was a significant a part of the Strictly manufacturing staff. His sudden dying left colleagues heartbroken. Tributes described him as a vastly proficient and devoted member of the crew, somebody whose work behind the cameras helped make Strictly the polished, magical present it’s. To those that labored alongside him, Neale wasn’t only a colleague — he was household.
Amy Dowden – Courageous Most cancers Struggle
Welsh skilled dancer Amy Dowden has lengthy been a fan favorite because of her vibrant routines and infectious vitality. However in Could 2023, on the age of 32, Amy revealed she had been identified with stage three breast most cancers. She underwent a mastectomy and gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, sharing her journey candidly with followers on social media and in a BBC documentary. Amy additionally lives with Crohn’s illness, one other critical situation she has raised consciousness of all through her profession.
