Strictly Come Dancing fans moved to tears by tributes to stars who passed away

Strictly Come Dancing fans were moved to tears as the BBC programme honoured past stars who have sadly passed away.

In a poignant moment at the conclusion of Saturday (September 14) night's premiere, images of ex-professional dancer Robin Windsor and former contestant from 2013, Hairy Biker Dave Myers, were displayed with a heartfelt tribute.

The screen shared their professional Strictly photos with the caption: "In loving memory of Dave Myers 1957-2024 and Robin Windsor 1979-2024."

Dave Myers passed away on February 28 at 66 years old, surrounded by loved ones after a valiant fight against cancer, while Robin Windsor was tragically found deceased on February 19 at the age of 44 in a hotel room.

Fans expressed their sorrow on X, previously known as Twitter. One viewer wrote: "Oh the dedications to Dave and Robin at the end" followed by several tearful emojis, reports the Mirror.

Another commented: "Oh heck the Dave Myers and Robin Windsor tributes at the end took my breath away a bit." A third chimed in: "Nice touch there at the end of #Strictly. Remembering Dave Myers and Robin Windsor."

Meanwhile, a different user reflected: "Touching tribute to Dave Meyers and Robin Windsor at the end of tonight's #Strictly I enjoyed the whole launch show."

Earlier in the episode, the audience had already been touched by a subtle homage to the late Sir Bruce Forsyth during the opening of the 2024 series premiere.

In a dazzling group performance that saw Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman, and all the judges shake a leg alongside this year's crop of professional dancers, the 15 eager celebrities anticipated meeting their dance partners. Their arrival at the BBC Television Centre wasn't on just any bus, but one carrying a heartfelt tribute to the beloved late Sir Bruce.

The nation has been captivated by Strictly Come Dancing for two decades now, a milestone marked in its original hosting duo Tess and Sir Bruce. Sir Bruce, who sadly departed in 2017, was fondly remembered as the BBC kicked off the show's 20th-anniversary celebrations.

Emotions ran high when Aljaz Skorjanec steered the bus onto the set, with viewers spotting the poignantly customized number plate in honour of Brucie, moving many to tears. Social media was awash with emotional reactions, as fans basked in the nostalgia and tribute.

Viewers praised the thoughtful gesture, with comments flooding in such as: "#Strictly #Scd What a lovely nod to Sir Bruce Forsyth #Bus #Strictlycomedancing." while others expressed sentiments like "Loving the reg on the #Strictly bus, BRUCIE, never forgotten."

The homage struck a chord across the board, with tweets rolling in like "The tribute to Brucie on Strictly, nope not crying at all #Strictly," and "The Brucie licence plate on the bus has sent me already. I bloody love #Strictly."

As viewers enjoyed the special moment, another remarked: "The Brucie numberplate. Nice touch #Strictly," and the online buzz continued with "Omgg the bus is called Brucie #Strictly."

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One