The TV industry mourned the loss of one of its most cherished icons when original Strictly host Sir Bruce Forsyth died in 2017, just three years after leaving his role on the show.

The legendary artist was instrumental in establishing the credibility of Strictly Come Dance during its formative years, long before it transformed into one of the most glamorous and successful shows on television.

Upon his departure after ten years in office, the BBC paid tribute to him, saying that Strictly’s triumph was “largely due to him”.

Forsyth, known for hosting hit shows like The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and The Price Is Right, first rose to fame in the 1930s and was an accomplished dancer. However, it was its warmth and light-hearted humor that truly won the hearts of viewers and helped make the series a must-see in British homes.

Tess Daly, his friend and former co-host, remembers their time together fondly: “From the moment we met, Bruce and I did nothing but laugh throughout a decade of working together on Strictly Come Dance. I will never forget his generosity, his brilliant sense of humor and his willingness to entertain.”

Former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball also paid tribute, calling him a “magical artist” and someone who was “truly wonderful to his audience”, reports the mirror.

The showbiz world and fans were struck with grief when Len Goodman, the beloved first head judge of Strictly Come Dancedied of bone cancer in April 2023.

The veteran performer was a cornerstone of the Strictly experience, revered for his frank critiques and iconic exclamations of “seven!” » Len had fought valiantly many times against poor health, having already beaten cancer twice.

He underwent surgery for prostate cancer in 2009, followed by removal of skin cancer on his forehead in 2020. Leaving the Strictly panel in 2016, his tenure ended when Shirley Ballas stepped in as chief justice.

Following his passing, Claudia Winkleman reflected lovingly on Len’s legacy, describing him as “a class act” brimming with “sparkle, warmth and wit”. Tess Daly shared a similar sentiment, remembering him as “a magnificent, genuine, warm and humble man, who left an impression on everyone he met”, someone who left a lasting impact on everyone who met him.

Earlier this year, the Strictly family mourned another beloved former member, dancer Robin Windsor, who died in February aged 44. After having to retire from Strictly in 2014 due to a back injury, judge Craig Revel remembers Robin fondly. Horwood as “one of the kindest, sweetest, honest, funny and caring people” he has ever met.

Over the past 20 years, fans have also suffered heartbreaking losses among celebrities taking part in Strictly. Comedian Jason Wood, partner of Kylie Jones in the first series, sadly died in his sleep in 2010 at just 38 years old.

The sudden death of actress and Loose Women star Lynda Bellingham in 2014 at age 66, after being in a relationship with Darren Bennett in 2009, deeply affected her admirers. The beloved TV actress was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and tragically succumbed to the disease a year later.

The year 2016 marked the loss of the pillar of British showbiz, magician Paul Daniels, who graced the Strictly dance floor in 2010 with his partner Ola Jordan. The beloved entertainer, whose wife Debbie McGee reached the Strictly final the following year, died of a brain tumor.

The sudden death of celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, who danced with Karen Hardy in the 2008 series, was another devastating blow. Known for his iconic spiky hair, Rhodes died in November 2019 at the age of 59 following a brain hemorrhage.

In 2020, the snooker world mourned Willie Thorne who finished 12th on 2007’s Strictly with Erin Boag after losing his battle with leukemia. February of the same year saw the tragic suicide of Caroline Flack, the 2014 Strictly champion.

The former Love Island presenter, who was just 40, was fondly remembered by Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli as “a joy”, and he vowed: “We will always love Caroline and we will never forget her. “

Most recently, in September 2022, cancer took the life of BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull at the age of 66. He had competed on Strictly in 2005 with professional partner Karen Hardy, who remembered him as “such a gentleman, such a mentor”.

And in February of this year, Dave Myers, known as one half of the Hairy Bikers, died at age 66. He teamed up with Karen Hauer for the 2013 edition of the show.

Each of these Strictly stars left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions with their dazzling performances that will be greatly missed and remembered forever. May they rest in peace.