Strictly anniversary show pays tribute to Caroline Flack and Sir Bruce Forsyth

A Strictly Come Dancing 20th anniversary special has paid tribute to stars including Caroline Flack and Sir Bruce Forsyth.

The show, which aired on Saturday evening, saw celebrity competitors from the BBC One show reunited with their professional dance partners.

There was also a section paying homage to the famous faces who had died since performing, judging or hosting on the show.

Introducing the segment, Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman said: “On the year it marks our 20th anniversary, we would like to remember the stars of the ballroom that we have dearly loved and lost.”

Remembering former Love Island host Flack, who was found dead in February 2020 at the age of 40, was professional dance Aljaz Skorjanec, who said: “Caroline Flack – one of the most beautiful (souls) inside and out, I’ve ever met.”

Former professional and Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two co-host Janette Manrara added: “Doing Strictly was one of the best things that ever happened to her. I miss her a lot.”

Flack won the competition alongside professional dancer Pasha Kovalev in 2014.

Remembering former host of the show Sir Bruce, who died in 2017 at the age of 89, were stars including dancer Brendan Cole, former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball, and judge Anton Du Beke.

Winkleman said: “He had a swagger and a magic and he was incredibly generous with his attention and his care and his love.”

Co-host Tess Daly added: “He knew every single crew member by first name, and always asked after them and their families. You know, everybody loved him. He was the best.”

Strictly stars also paid tribute to former professional dancer Robin Windsor, Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers and former judge Len Goodman.