Strictly special will pay tribute to ‘incredible’ champ Caroline
STRICTLY Come Dancing will pay tribute to sorely missed former winner Caroline Flack during a one-off special to air later this year.
The late Love Island presenter, who took her own life at her north London home in February, won the glitterball in 2014 with professional partner Pasha Kovalev.
A large part of BBC One’s Strictly: The Best Of The Final will highlight Caroline’s time on the programme alongside other memorable performances from its 16-year history.
The hour-long special will highlight tributes from Pasha, 40, and Caroline’s good friend Janette Manrara, 36, who still dances on the show.
A source said: “Caroline was loved by all on Strictly and was a hugely popular winner among the executives and the crew. She was a bundle of energy and they thought if they were going to look at some of the best finals ever it would be fitting to feature her in a big way.
“She’s sorely missed by many, but particularly by her Strictly family.” At the time of Caroline’s death at the age of 40, a Strictly statement said: “The entire Strictly Come Dancing family are heartbroken to hear this incredibly sad news. Caroline had an infectious energy and passion for dance, she shone brightly in the Strictly ballroom every week and became an incredible champion. “Words cannot express our sadness, she was simply one of a kind. We are sending our love to all her family and friends during this difficult time.”
The special will be fronted by regular hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and will include judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli who will share their favourite moments. A statement from Strictly producers added: “Strictly: The Best Of The Final will celebrate the finalists, the emotion and the incredible routines that have graced the final.” The BBC also confirmed that Strictly: The Christmas Countdown will air over the festive season. The special will feature the show’s top 25 most memorable dances of all time as voted for by viewers. The BBC has yet to announce when the special episodes will hit TV screens.