Strictly fans in TEARS as show airs emotional tribute to late stars including Caroline Flack and Robin Windsor during 20th anniversary special

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in tears on Saturday night as the show paid tribute to stars that have passed away during the 20th anniversary special. 

Stars old and new reunited to reminisce about two decades of the BBC dancing show, with the episode taking a look back on its highs and lows.

However, while the show was a joyous look down memory lane, the touching feature remembering past dancers and contestants including Caroline Flack and Robin Windsor left those watching at home reaching for the tissues.

The moving scenes saw clips from the late stars’ time on the show, and featured interviews with those who were close with them.

As well as former Love Island host Caroline and pro dancer Robin, the in memoriam segment featured the likes of Dave Myers, Gary Rhodes, Lynda Bellingham, Willie Thorne and Paul Daniels.

While former show host Bruce Forsyth and head judge Len Goodman were emotionally honoured by several dancers, judges and contestants. 

While the show was a joyous look down memory lane, the touching feature remembering past dancers and contestants including Caroline Flack and Robin Windsor [pictured] left those watching at home reaching for the tissues

Watching the heart wrenching moments play out on screen, viewers rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter to reveal they were in tears, with one even remarking they were ‘sobbing like a baby’.  

They penned: ‘I didn’t expect this #strictly doc to make me cry quite so much’; ‘Okay now I’m sobbing at this memorial part’ 

‘Goodness me I’m ugly crying at #Strictly’; ‘okay yeah Lisa talking about robin has fully set me off’

‘Oh god this tribute section has finished me off! Rip to all the talent gone too soon’

‘Oh this memorial section has got me right in the feels’; ‘The Caroline Flack footage broke me’

‘Either I’ve drank too much wine or the Strictly 20 years is very sad. This memorial bit has me sobbing like a baby’. 

Several much loved stars have sadly died in the years following their appearance on the dancing show, with Caroline – who won the 2014 series with Pasha Kovalev -passing in February 2020.

While Robin, who was a professional dancer on the show between 2010 to 2013, passed away in February this year.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman introduced the segment as they honoured the stars that have been ‘dearly loved and lost’

The moving scenes saw clips from the late stars’ time on the show, and featured interviews with those who were close with them [Dave Myers and Karen Hauer pictured]

As well as former Love Island host Caroline and pro dancer Robin, the in memoriam segment featured the likes of Dave Myers, Gary Rhodes, Lynda Bellingham [pictured], Willie Thorne and Paul Daniels

While former show host Bruce Forsyth and head judge Len Goodman [pictured] were emotionally honoured by several dancers, judges and contestants

Tributes were made to former host Bruce during the emotional segment [pictured with co-host Tess Daly]

Meanwhile, Len was head judge from the shows inauguration in 2004 until 2016. He died in April 2023.

With legendary host Bruce passing away in August 2017, three years after leaving the show in 2014 following a decade hosting alongside Tess Daly. 

Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years takes a look back at where it all began featuring insights from judges, contestants and professionals alike.

The programme is a sparkling celebration of two decades of Strictly – which has captured the hearts of millions since its debut in 2004.

With exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with past contestants, judges, and production teams, the film delves into the evolution of the show, its cultural impact, and the unforgettable moments that have made Strictly a beloved institution in television. 

Going back to the very beginning, Tess Daly, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, Bruno Tonioli, Dame Arlene Phillips, Brendan Cole and Natasha Kaplinsky reminisce about the first ever series of Strictly back in 2004. 

The episode explored some of the most iconic moments in Strictly history – from Jill Halfpenny’s first ever 40 to Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy stopping their salsa for a wardrobe malfunction.

Watching the heart wrenching moments play out on screen, viewers rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter to reveal they were in tears, with one even remarking they were ‘sobbing like a baby’

As well as Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani’s electrifying Pulp Fiction jive and Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice’s ground-breaking and BAFTA winning poignant performance.

Also noted in the programme is the iconic Gangnam Style performance by Ed Balls and Katya Jones and the truly unforgettable samba from Anton Du Beke and Ann Widdecombe. 

Past and present Strictly pros, including Oti Mabuse, Pasha Kovalev, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer, Kevin Clifton and Aljaž Škorjanec also reflect on their Strictly journeys and the impact it had on them and their careers. 

As well as this, much loved Strictly couples Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, Zoe Ball and Ian Waite, Judy Murray and Anton Du Beke, Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell, Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse, Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington, Gemma Atkinson and Aljaž Škorjanec and Fleur East and Vito Coppola talk about their time on the show and their lasting friendships and relationships.