Strictly Come Dancing fans are left in tears after launch episode ends with a tribute to Hairy Biker Dave Myers and dancer Robin Windsor - who both passed away earlier this year

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in tears during the BBC show’s launch show, after it ended with a tribute to Dave Myers and Robin Windsor.

The dancing show returned for its 22nd series on Saturday, but it was a touching tribute to late alumni Dave and Robin that left viewers reeling.

Hairy Biker Dave tragically passed away in February at the age of 66 after battling cancer. The presenter competed on Strictly in 2013.

Dancer Robin, who was a professional on the show from 2010 to 2013, was found dead in a London hotel room less than two weeks earlier.

Viewers were heartbroken by the tribute, admitting they had ‘burst into tears’ as pictures of the two men came on the screen.

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in tears during the BBC show’s launch show on Saturday, after it ended with a tribute to Dave Myers and Robin Windsor

The dancing show returned for its 22nd series on Saturday, but it was a touching tribute to late alumni Dave and Robin that left viewers reeling

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, they wrote: ‘RIP Robin, I only knew you for a short time, but you were a fun and kind soul,’ ‘Nice touch ❤️,’

‘Ahhh this is so sad,’; ‘A beautiful tribute ❤️,’; ‘Not crying honest,’;

‘This had me in tears, totally forgot that Dave Myers & Robin Windsor both passed away this year (2024) This year has been a blur,’;

‘This was a touch of absolute class. ❤️,’; ‘Really miss Robin’s posts about #Strictly – RIP you beautiful soul,’;

‘Touching tribute to Dave Meyers and Robin Windsor at the end of tonight’s #Strictly,’; ‘Well that ending of the episode had me bursting into tears,’;

‘Oh heck the Dave Myers and Robin Windsor tributes at the end took my breath away a bit.’

Earlier in the episode, the BBC paid another tribute – to former host, the late Bruce Forsyth.

In a touching moment, the professionals dancers were seen getting a bus to the studio for the beginning of the show.

Hairy Biker Dave tragically passed away in February at the age of 66 after battling cancer. The presenter competed on Strictly in 2013

Dancer Robin, who was a professional on the show from 2010 to 2013, was found dead in a London hotel room less than two weeks earlier

Viewers were heartbroken by the tribute, admitting they had ‘burst into tears’ as pictures of the two men came on the screen

But fans spotted the tribute attached to the bus – a number plate reading BRUCIE.

TV chef Dave – who started out as a make up artist specialising in prosthetics – passed away on February 28 at the age of 66, two years after he revealed he was undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.

Dave announced he was receiving treatment for cancer in May 2022 and bravely kept the public up to date with his progress in a series of emotional TV specials.

He died with his family and friends by his side, his colleague and lifelong friend Si revealed.

After meeting in 1995 on the set of a TV drama, the best friends built up a reputation as the friendly faces of TV cooking, with 31 separate projects since they first debuted on the BBC in 2006.

Dave appeared on Strictly in 2013 and was paired with longtime professional Karen Hauer.

Speaking in June, Karen admitted Dave’s zest for life had an impact that lasted long after their week seven exit during the eleventh series of the long-running staple.

Asked about her favourite celebrity dance partners on Tuesday’s edition of Good Morning Britain, she said: ‘I love them all but one that is very close to my heart is Dave Myers, who I absolutely adored.

‘He was just everything, he was a bundle of joy. Because of him I started to enjoy Strictly and made sure I was being myself at all times and not taking myself too seriously.’

Just days before Dave’s death, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin was found dead in a hotel room in London at the age of 44 on February 19

Just days before Dave’s death, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin was found dead in a hotel room in London at the age of 44 on February 19.

The performer was a professional dancer on the BBC show from 2010 to 2013 and his death prompted an outpouring of grief across the dancing world.

Robin is said to have suffered a troubling incident over the New Year period, before embarking to perform on a luxurious cruise in South Africa.

Seven days earlier, the dancer had reposted a quote which said: ‘Trauma teaches you to expect and accept the bare minimum.

‘In this new season, may you adjust your standards and learn to receive the maximum. You are worthy. You are enough. You deserve overflow.’

And on January 4, he had shared a message with his friends and followers which said: ‘Big shout out and love to everyone who’s reached out and checked in the last week.

‘Sorry I have not replied… it’s been a bit of a trying time and things are looking up. Robin.’

Tributes poured in underneath the star’s last selfie, with one fan writing: ‘So shocked and saddened to hear the news. Have followed him for years since Strictly, an amazing talent. RIP.’

He spent his final days enjoying a safari as well as the sunny beaches of Cape Town