Strictly Come Dancing fans got emotional as the show paid tribute to its late host Sir Bruce Forsyth.
Bruce hosted the show alongside Tess Daly for several years before his sad passing in August 2017, and as they opened the BBC show today to celebrate the broadcaster's 100 years of service, there was a poignant tribute to Bruce. His career spanned over seven decades, including fronting the show which is now hosted by Tess and Claudia Winkleman.
As the Strictly professionals took over the BBC's most beloved shows including BBC Breakfast, MasterChef and EastEnders, they made their 'return' to the studio through the Tardis. Back on the Strictly dancefloor, they were joined by the judges – Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke for the very special routine.
But emotional fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts as they noticed a sweet tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth. As the stars danced below, there was a TV displayed above which showed some footage of Bruce dancing with Sir Terry Wogan.
"Anyone else feeling emosh catching a glimpse of Brucie? #BBC100 #Strictly #nicetoseeyou #toseeyounice," one wrote as a second added: " #Strictly That was an amazing opening number. Lovely nod to Sir Terry & Sir Bruce."
A third wrote: "What an opener! Loved seeing @OwainWynEvans on the drums. Also the fact they showed Bruce Forsyth on the TV @bbcstrictly #Strictly Happy 100th Birthday BBC #BBC100."
"You can just imagine Bruce in the middle of all of this. Miss him so much. #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing2022 #BBC100," fourth added, as a fifth wrote: "Proper tears at that opening. How beautifully put together. #Strictly."
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer James Jordan heaped praise on the routine, and took to Twitter to share his thoughts, writing: "Great nod to the amazing Bruce Forsyth #Strictly."
Tess previously described how she felt it was so "surreal" working alongside the legendary presenter.
"I’d worked in TV for a number of years before Strictly, doing kids’ telly and a couple of Saturday-night shows, but nothing on that scale. And I had grown up watching Bruce Forsyth on the telly on Saturday night, so to be next to him was quite surreal," she said.
Sarah James, Executive Producer for Strictly Come Dancing, said of the 100 year special: "We know how much viewers love the Strictly themed weeks so it’s fantastic to be able to announce a new one, celebrating the BBC’s centenary. It’s the icing on the cake to be able to confirm that we are returning to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom this year, we can’t wait to get back to Blackpool!"
