Tess Daly is devastated after accidentally running over the family's beloved dog Minnie.
The Strictly star knocked down the Maltese Shih Tzu after builders reportedly left a door open at her home.
Minnie could not be saved after being hit by the car when Tess, 49, returned to their home.
It is the second time inside three years that the family have suffered a shock bereavement.
They lost their Labrador Sam in 2016 to what was believed to have been lungworm - a little-known disease.
Tess told The Sun on Sunday: “I’m devastated by this terrible accident. It’s a dog owner’s worst nightmare.
“It has had a huge effect on the whole family and we are heartbroken at losing Minnie.
“This has, and continues to be, a very emotional time for us all.”
Tess' devastated daughters Phoebe, 14, and Amber, nine, joined their mum and dad Vernon in the Maldives after the family decided to continue with their planned holiday.
They took the break to help comfort the girls, who still have tiny Chihuahua Blue.
A source said: “Tess is absolutely beyond heartbroken.
“She and Vernon have drummed it into the girls that they must never, ever let the dogs out and sure enough, the animals always stayed indoors.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman say 'there's no such thing as a Strictly Curse'
“But they have had the builders in, carrying out various bits of repair work in the courtyard. And one of the labourers foolishly left the front door open — and Minnie escaped.
“Tess had been out for the morning and as she drove back in and up the driveway she was too high up in her 4x4 to see Minnie suddenly bolt out.
“It all happened in a flash and there was absolutely nothing she could do. But it was sickening.
“Minnie was like another child to Tess and Vernon and to lose a member of the family in such a tragic, hideous way is understandably devastating.”
