Dancing On Ice star Vanessa Bauer has told how she has been left heartbroken following the death of her father who battled cancer for 6 years.
The professional dancer, 25, told on Instagram how she was "hurting so much", as she vowed to "stop crying" and fulfil his wishes for her of 'dreaming bigger, working harder and finding happiness'.
She wrote: "Last week I lost my dad. It hurts so much but dad always wanted us to chase our dreams and goals and never get distracted from how difficult things were at home - for the past 6 years...
“I didn’t speak about what we were going through since seeing us fulfil our dreams gave my dad strength while battling one therapy after another..
“He was in pain but he was ready to fight, he certainly wasn’t ready to leave, at all.”
Vanessa added she will "always think" about her father, and has encouraged others to "enjoy" their lives.
The dancer, who is from Germany, added: "I’ll always think of you, dad, and I know you’re watching while I continue to do my thing so you can be happy for us. Dennis and I will take care of mum. Life’s so precious guys. Enjoy every bit of the ride (sic)."
The star shared a series of touching pictures of her with her father as she paid tribute to him.
Her celebrity friends rushed to the comment section to pay tribute to her.
Her former Dancing On Ice partner Joe Warren-Plant said: "So sorry for your loss Vanessa. Sending all my love to you and the family."
And Dancing On Ice winner James Jordan added: "I'm so sorry for your loss Vanessa.
"It hurts like mad but remember as you said your dad would want you to chase your dreams - and never forget how proud he was May he RIP."
Vanessa won Dancing On Ice alongside Jake Quickenden in 2018.
She has also also skated with Wes Nelson, Perri Kelly and Joe Warren-Plant.
