…Researched and contributed by Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
The Tragedies Associated with Strictly Come Dancing: A Look at Some of the Programme’s Beloved Stars Who Have Passed Away
Strictly Come Dancing, the world-renowned BBC dancing show, is now in its 19th series and has featured more than 260 contestants since it first aired in 2004.
While the programme has brought its viewers much love and warmth over the years, it has also been associated with heartbreak and tragedy for many of its stars.
Here is a look at some of the beloved Strictly stars who have passed away.
Len Goodman
Len Goodman, a very popular judge on the show, sadly passed away at age 78, just days before his birthday, following a battle with bone cancer.
The TV favourite passed away in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent, surrounded by his family.
Willie Thorne Professional snooker player and funnyman Willie Thorne, who participated in the 2007 series, lost his battle with leukaemia in 2020.
Although he was out of the race quite early on, he formed part of a strong line-up that year, which included Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon.
Caroline Flack
Former X Factor presenter Caroline Flack, who proved to be an instant hit with fans during the 2014 series, passed away in 2020 at the age of 40, after taking her own life.
Caroline had been paired with Pasha Kovalev, and the twosome landed first place with a perfect score of 120 points by the entire judging panel.
Bruce Forsyth
The original frontman and host of the show, Sir Bruce Forsyth, passed away in 2017.
Bruce was an icon in his own right, with his on-screen career spanning more than 70 years.
He stepped down from his co-hosting role alongside Tess Daly in 2014.
Paul Daniels
Magician Paul Daniels, who had been better known for his role alongside his glamorous wife and assistant Debbie McGee, passed away in 2016 at the age of 71.
Paul had participated in the 2010 series with professional dancer Ola Jordan, and the pair had delivered a number of memorable performances.
Gary Rhodes
TV chef Gary Rhodes passed away suddenly at his home in Dubai in 2019, leaving the entire nation in shock.
Gary had participated in the show in the past and was partnered with Karen Hardy in 2008.
Lynda Bellingham
Loose Women and TV star Lynda Bellingham, who waltzed alongside dancer Darren Bennet in the 2009 series, was the first celebrity to pass away after appearing on Strictly.
She was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and lost her life to the disease just over a year later at the age of 66.
Jason Wood
Comedian Jason Wood, who had appeared on the first series of Strictly in 2004, passed away in his sleep at the age of 38 in 2010.
The big personality was also known for his brilliant impressions of singers, and for performing at the Hackney Empire and Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
Neale Pirie
Celebrity hair stylist Neale Pirie, who had worked on the show for five years, passed away suddenly just a month before the 2015 series hit the airwaves.
His colleagues on the BBC show expressed their condolences to his friends and family online after his passing.