Janette Manrara, 39, has announced the devastating news her grandfather has passed away.
The pregnant Strictly Come Dancing star took to social media over the weekend to pay tribute to her late loved one and share a moving clip of her grandfather with followers.
Janette, who is married to fellow dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, told her 525,000 followers: "I’ve been quite this weekend because early Saturday morning I found out the sad news of the passing of my grandfather, Miguel Angel Manrara.
"He was a man full of life, hardworking, and always telling jokes and stories. When my parents were at work, he would always take me to singing, acting, dancing, whatever I needed. 'It’s because of me she made it!', he joked and shouted loudly w/ so much joy and pride in his heart whenever he watched me dance."
The mum-to-be continued: "He always called me his 'caballa', which means female horse. He saw my perseverance and strength to always keep pushing for my dreams. When times were tough, he always reminded me that I was 'una caballa' to keep pushing forward. It’s because of his sacrifice, and that of my grandmother and parents, that I was able to fly and make dreams comes true.
"We were extremely close. It’s very difficult being away from my family during this time, but I will cherish forever our car journeys, the days at the beach after school, all the jokes and stories, and the love and wisdom he always shared w/ me."
Janette poignantly signed off: "I hope that I forever make you proud grandpa. I love you with all my heart…. Until we meet again."
The It Take Two presenter's fans and famous friends rushed to send their love in the comments underneath the post.
"Sorry to hear this [love heart emoiji] sending love," fellow Strictly pro Dianne Buswell wrote, as Ellie Simmonds told Janette: "Sending love and hugs."
Ashley Roberts added: "Sending so much love."
Amid grieving her late grandfather, Janette is preparing to become a mother for the first time later this year.
The star, who had previously considered using IVF to fall pregnant, took to social media in March to announce she is expecting a bundle of joy to arrive this summer.
"We’re so happy to share our special news!" Janette wrote on Instagram alongside an emotion video.
In the footage, the Strictly star can be seen opening a present from dance brand, DSI London, and bursting into tears.
She explained: "I look a little rough in the video but I had to share this special moment, so who cares! I received a lovely package from DSI London congratulating us on the baby news.
"I remember sharing the story with them of how much I loved dancing in one of their dresses for a specific moment of our Remembering Tour. It was my favourite moment in the show! If you came and watched, it was the opening of our second act.
"The music was so magical, and I always felt like I was taken away to a dream world dancing it with Aljaz."
On discovering she was with child, Janette said: "We found out we were pregnant during our Christmas tour, and on the last show, I had tears in my eyes dancing that dance because Aljaz and I shared a moment right before we performed celebrating the 3 of us, on stage, dancing together before anyone else in the world found out our very special little secret.
"To say it was one of the most special moments of my life, is an understatement. Now DSI London have given me as a gift the dress I wore for that number as they recalled the story of how much I loved dancing in it...such a thoughtful thing to do!
"I am so far away from my family but it's gestures like these and all of your kind messages of love that have made me so emotional and feel so much love around Aljaz and I, and our little baby."
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