Of the hundreds of celebrities to have appeared on the iconic show, several Strictly Come Dancing stars are sadly no longer with us
From politicians to pop stars and footballers to film stars, BBC’s iconic Strictly Come Dancing has featured an extraordinary range of celebrities.
Tragically, not all of these stars are still with us, with many of our favourite contestants, hosts and judges having passed away over the years.
As the show reaches the end of its 23rd series, we look back and remember those to have appeared on the iconic show that have sadly died.
Sir Bruce Forsyth
The man who made the show what it was, Brucie, as he was affectionally known, presented Strictly from its first series in 2004 right up until 2013, before handing the baton over to co-host Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Energetic, effortlessly witty, and a real dance aficionado, Forsyth brought with him his iconic “Nice to see you, to see you…nice!” catch-phrase, as well his buckets of charisma.
During the show’s centenary special in 2022, fans were moved to tears by a heartfelt tribute celebrating his decades-long career and enduring legacy in entertainment.
Sir Bruce passed away in August 2017 at the age of 89 from bronchial pneumonia at his home on the Wentworth Estate in Surrey.
Caroline Flack
TV host Caroline Flack won the show’s 12th instalment alongside partner Pasha Kovalev back in 2014, the year before she landed the hosting roles of both Love Island and X-Factor.
Flack was a truly extraordinary performer, becoming the first finalist to achieve a perfect score of 40 in each one of her dances in the show’s final.
Tragically, Caroline Flack died by suicide in 2020 at the age of 40. Many involved in Strictly publicly shared their sadness following the news.
“The entire Strictly Come Dancing family are heartbroken to hear this incredibly sad news,” a tweet from the official Strictly account read at the time.
Bruno Tonioli also expressed his disbelief at the news, describing Flack as “always so much fun to be around.” Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly also paid tribute, with Winkleman calling her death “heartbreaking.”
Len Goodman
Was there anything more iconically Strictly than Len Goodman booming out ‘Seven!’ during the scoring process?
Goodman, who had been a professional ballroom dancer himself, was Strictly’s head judge for the first 14 series of the show, eventually stepping down in 2016 to focus on other projects, especially the American show Dancing with the Stars, where he also headed up the judging panel.
Goodman sadly died from prostate cancer in April 2023, having spent a short period time in London hospice.
The Strictly family reacted to the sad passing with a host of touching messages, Claudia Winkleman calling Goodman “a class act” who was full of “twinkle, warmth and wit”.
Robin Windsor
Robin Windsor was one of the show’s most popular professional dancers, having a number of memorable partnerships including Dragons Den star Deborah Meaden and actress Anita Dobson.
A talented dancer and larger than life personality, Windsor appeared on four series of the show, quickly becoming a fan favourite for his boundless enthusiasm and quick wit.
Tragically, the talented dancer would pass away in February 2024, at only 44-years-old. His cause of death has not been publicly confirmed, and an inquest is scheduled for January 2026.
Lisa Riley and Deborah Meaden, both of whom had danced with Windsor on the show, also paid tribute. Meaden described him as “kind and incredibly generous,” adding: “He lit up a room with his fun and energy and certainly his sparkle … he was never happier than when he was covered in crystals!”
Bill Turnbull
Radio presenter and journalist Bill Turnbull lit up the Strictly boards back on the shows third series, impressing fans with both his moves but also his bravery and spirit.
Picking up a nasty ankle injury in just the third episode, he battled through the pain and remained on the show, ending up finishing in an impressive sixth place.
In March 2018, he revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He sadly passed away at his family home in Suffolk on 31 August 2022, aged 66, leaving behind a wife and three children.
Paul Daniels
Magician Paul Daniels appeared on Strictly back in 2010, alongside professional dancer Ola Jordan, and would become the second couple to be eliminated.
Daniels’ wife, Debbie McGee, also took part in Strictly and paid tribute to her late husband by reaching the finals in 2017.
He died in 2016 aged 77 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Lynda Bellingham
British actress and Loose Women star Lynda Bellingham, known for her appearances in Doctor Who, All Creatures Great and Small as well as her role as the mother of the OXO family, appeared on the show’s seventh series back in 2009.
Partnered with Darren Bennett, Bellingham would last until the show’s fourth week, with memorable performances including a Cha Cha to Queen’s Under Pressure, and a Paso Doble to Cliff Richard’s Devil Woman.
In September 2014, Lynda Bellingham revealed that she had terminal cancer and that she had “months to live”, passing away in October 2014.
Jason Wood
Stand-up comedian Jason Wood appeared in the show’s inaugural series, becoming the first ever person to leave the show alongside dance partner Kylie Jones.
The Luton-born comic admitted that dancing didn’t come naturally to him, saying: “Dancing is difficult, it’s like walking on a tightrope while holding a washing machine trying to stagger across holding books in my mouth.”
Wood tragically passed away in 2010 aged just 38.
Willie Thorne
In 2007, snooker player Willie Thorne took part in series five of Strictly Come Dancing with professional partner Erin Boag, and the pair were eliminated in the third week.
Thorne died aged 66 in 2020 after going into ‘septic shock’ in a hospital in Spain, his friend and carer confirmed.
Paying tribute on X, Erin said: “Extremely sad news to hear that Willie Thorne has passed away. I have truly wonderful memories of the time I spent with him.”