Bill Turnbull's former Strictly Come Dancing partner broke down as she paid tribute to her friend following his death.
The BBC Breakfast presenter tragically passed away yesterday at the age of 66 after a "challenging" five year battle with prostate cancer. He appeared on the BBC Latin and ballroom show on the third series in 2005 and was her first Strictly partner.
Bill went public with his cancer diagnosis in 2018, a year after he found out he was battling cancer. Karen - who partnered with Bill on the show - paid tribute to her good friend as she shared her final text from Bill.
Speaking about her long-term friendship with Bill, Karen said: "One of my last texts with him, he goes, 'Amazing how after 16 years people still ask me about Strictly. Some of the best fun I ever had. I'm always grateful to you for that.'"
Karen then went on to continue her tribute but struggled to speak.
Sensing she was having trouble, presenter Naga Munchetty - who was sitting alongside Charlie Stayt on the famous red sofa - went on to add as she discussed their friendship: "The bonds that have been created and the friendship you had, it was precious and honestly, I know it's so upsetting, but you've done him proud."
Karen had previously shared her "shock" at Bill's death.
"Yeah it’s a big shock. It’s just hit me now actually. I'm currently here in New Zealand so the phone started going like crazy. Believe it or not the last time the phones went crazy like this from the media, was the passing of Bruce Forsyth," she said.
"It’s something to reflect with this gentleman, such a gentleman, such a mentor. Life-changing for me. I think just hearing that last summary of everything. All of that was going through my mind and then I met this man that turned out to be my mentor, friend, oh gosh, so much. I owe him so much because it was from that first show and my debut on TV that he made TV magical."
A statement from Bill's heartbroken wife was read out by Naga Munchetty on BBC Breakfast.
"Our lovely Billy died yesterday evening. Almost five years after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. The last week of his life was very special as the whole family was with him and they shared some wonderful moments," she said.
"Although Bill was often in pain, he was dignified and brave throughout and he was his usual determined self right until the very end. He made us laugh everyday. We are immensely proud of him. He was the heart of our family. It's hard to imagine life without him."
