The stars of Strictly Come Dancing have warned viewers that the planned tribute for the late Sir Bruce Forsyth will be emotional.
Professional dancers, and husband and wife duo, Neil and Katya Jones said they were close to tears during rehearsals ahead of the show’s return to TV this weekend.
Speaking to the Express, Katya said: “We are definitely putting our hearts and souls into the performance.
“It’s going to be emotional because even in practise, we all got very emotional.”
Emotional: Professionals Neil and Katya JonesMatt Crossick/PAForsyth died, aged 89, on August 18.
He had presented the BBC ballroom show alongside Tess Daly for a decade before stepping down and handing the reins over to Claudia Winkleman.
Neil said the tribute is fitting for a man who “was the show”.
Allow Exco Player content
This content is provided by Exco Player and may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to load the content.
He said: “I’ve been watching him all my life, we loved him and we want to show him as much respect as possible.
“There's a beautiful number for him and we can't wait to show everyone. It was [moving], I don't want to give it away but I imagine the audience are going to be in tears.”
This year’s contestants have also promised to make the legendary entertainer “proud”.
Ruth Langsford, who is the favourite to be booted off first, said the news of his death “took the sheen” off her excitement at joining the show.
Speaking at the launch night she said: “I don’t think he would want any of us to not be enjoying this. And he was such a fabulous dancer, so I think this year, he’ll be very much in our thoughts. All of us will really be doing it for him, as much for ourselves.”
Read More
Mollie King added: “As the class of 2017, we really want to make him proud.
“And we want to just dance our socks off, give it everything. He has been such a huge part of Strictly.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday at 7:05pm.