Strictly Come Dancing bosses have promised to open the upcoming series with an all-dancing tribute to former show host Sir Bruce Forsyth, it has been reported.
Sir Bruce, who died at the age of 89 on Friday, fronted the popular BBC dance contest alongside Tess Daly for 10 years, from its launch in 2004 until 2014.
The show’s executive producer, Louise Rainbow, has vowed a special dedication to him in the form of a group dance number when the new series launches later this year.
The whole Strictly team is devastated to hear of the passing of Sir Bruce Forsyth. Bye Brucie you're our favourite ✨ https://t.co/TJS4egUgKu pic.twitter.com/vpwtP4zBFS
— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) August 18, 2017
She told The Sun newspaper: “The thoughts of everyone here are still very much with Sir Bruce’s family.
“Of course, we will be paying tribute to Sir Bruce at our launch show and this will include a heartfelt performance from our Strictly professional dancers.
“We all want to celebrate him and all that he loved about the show. Sir Bruce was, and will always be, a huge part of Strictly Come Dancing.”
Here they are – our fabulous 15! Meet the #Strictly class of 2017 🙌 ✨ https://t.co/i4PB4w9ZQS pic.twitter.com/6xm9i8zPUK
— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) August 21, 2017
Her comments come a day after the full line-up of celebrity contestants for this year’s season was officially revealed, with singer Alexandra Burke, Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock, former ballerina Debbie McGee, actress Chizzy Akudolu and presenter Charlotte Hawkins announced on Monday.