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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Jessica Sansome

Strictly fans in tears as Caroline Flack tribute airs on BBC

Strictly Come Dancing aired a special tribute to Caroline Flack on Saturday night.

Ahead of the new series, the BBC show has been airing various highlight episodes and the last one looked back at highlights from the many finals that have taken place over the years.

And fans were left in tears as the episode closed with a poignant tribute to Caroline who won the show in 2014.

The Love Island presenter died in February this year after she tragically took her own in her London flat.

The emotional footage showed Caroline's Strictly journey to fans and featured tributes from Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli, Janette Manrara and her Strictly partner Pasha Kovalev.

Itroducting the tribute, Tess said: "We've had some spectacular dancers and incredible champions over the years," with Claudia adding: "But there is one who stands out amongst them all.

"In 2014 she became the first celebrity to receive a perfect 40 for every single performance in the final."

"And she lit up the Strictly ballroom every single week," Tess added. "It is, of course, Caroline Flack."

Friend and dancer Janette was visibly chocked up as she said: "Caroline Flack, whenever she was around you, you couldn't help but smile and laugh" before adding she was "one of the best dancers we've ever had come into Strictly Come Dancing."

The programme showed Caroline's Strictly journey (BBC)

Fans were also heartbroken at the footage, which was poignantly aired on World Mental Health Day.

Another said: "The Caroline Flack tribute on #Strictly has reduced me to tears her story was beautiful and the ending was awful, for it to be aired on Mental Health Day too sends an even stronger message, she is so missed, I hope the story resonates and teaches people to be kinder."

"Something utterly poignant watching Caroline Flack looking so vibrant on #Strictly tonight," added a third.

A fourth commented: "Beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul and dancer. Just wanted to reach into the tv and tell her she's loved. RIP Caroline."

"Caroline was given the most beautiful tribute on tonight's #Strictly. A wonderful performer, my favourite champion," another wrote before adding: "In a world where you can be anything, #BeKind."

"Literally sobbing at #Strictly tribute to Caroline Flack. Even more poignant today on #WorldMentalHealthDay," wrote one.
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