Strictly pays respects to tragic Flack

STRICTLY Come Dancing is to pay tribute to Caroline Flack in a one-off special episode.

The tragic television presenter, who won the 2014 series of the BBC1 dancing competition, took her own life in February.

The programme, which will celebrate past Strictly winners, will feature a tribute to Caroline.

She won the glitterball trophy alongside professional dancer Pasha Kovalev in 2014.

The programme will be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli will also reminisce about previous finals.

LET’S get ready to rumba. Strictly is heading back to our screens, giving fans a chance to vote for their all-time favourite routines from the dance show.

The top 25 will feature in a Christmas Special, which will follow four-parter Strictly: The Best Of... which starts in September.

It will look back at highlights from Movies, Musicals, Blackpool and Finals since 2004 ahead of a new series, with new stars, more dazzling routines and plenty of fancy footwork.

If all that has you singing I’m in the Mood for Dancing, check out my top 10 routines.

Alesha holding out for a hero

Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler’s showdance in 2007 Before she became a judge, Alesha was one of the greatest Strictly contestants ever. Her final showdance was a sensation. Even before she lifted the Glitterball, Sir Bruce Forsyth told her: “You could become the biggest female star in this country.”

John Sergeant’s stomping

John drags Kristina Rihanoff in the paso doble in 2008 The journalist was loved by audiences but hated by the judges. A low point for Kristina was being dragged about the floor in week 6. Even a low score of 21 was not enough to get rid of John – we kept voting to save him at home. He eventually quit in week 10.

Louis Smith ruling the world

Louis and Flavia Cacace’s final showdance in 2012 The last showdance can be OTT but Flavia slowed things down, playing to her partner’s strengths. Bare-footed, they showcased Louis’ skills as a gymnast but with grace and elegance. It helped them win the Glitterball.

Caroline Flack’s playful final

Caroline and Pasha Kovalev’s Charleston in 2014 final TV bosses have said tragic Caroline, who died earlier this year, will be remembered in the new series. They may well choose her Charleston, which was hugely playful, scoring top marks in the final after earning her 39 points in week 10. A worthy winner.

TRIBUTE Caroline Flack

Ore’s singing in the rain Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton Singin’ in the Rain, 2016 After scoring 35 with the routine in week 3, this was a dance the judges wanted to see Ore do again and he did not disappoint in the final. Len Goodman told Ore: “It was Gene Kelly. It was fabulous.” The dance scored 39, the highest score of the opening round of the final, and helped propel Ore to victory.

Tom’s old Hollywood vibe Tom Chambers & Camilla Dallerup’s showdance, 2008 This was the dance that won Tom and Camilla the Glitterball. He came on to the dancefloor in a tux and tap shoes – and within minutes he had the series sewn up. The routine had an old Hollywood vibe and the choreography had a nod to Fred Astaire. It was all acted out and danced brilliantly.

Jay McGuiness’s Pulp Fiction Jay and Aliona Vilani’s Pulp Fiction jive in 2015 This was an amazing performance, earning the first 10 of the series, from Bruno Tonioli, in just week 3. It pushed shy Jay to the limit and was the moment he became a real contender, who would go on to win the show. At the time, Aliona said: “Our jive was such a perfect moment for Jay and I.”