Strictly to pay 'heartfelt' tribute to Sir Bruce

Executive producer Louise Rainbow said the show’s professional dancers will pay tribute to Sir Bruce in celebration of his life when the new series starts on 23 September.

Sir Bruce, affectionately known to the nation as ‘Brucie’, died at the age of 89 on Friday.

He was at the helm of the dance show alongside Tess Daly for 10 years, from its launch in 2004 until 2014.

:: Tributes to ‘king of TV and prince of performers’

Ms Rainbow said: “The thoughts of everyone here are still very much with Sir Bruce’s family.

“Of course, we will be paying tribute to Sir Bruce at our launch show and this will include a heartfelt performance from our Strictly professional dancers.

“We all want to celebrate him and all that he loved about the show. Sir Bruce was, and will always be, a huge part of Strictly Come Dancing.”

Series 15’s line-up includes singer Alexandra Burke, Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock, former ballerina Debbie McGee, actress Chizzy Akudolu and presenter Charlotte Hawkins.

Sir Bruce formally stepped down from hosting the live show in 2014 due to the long studio hours.

He died on 18 August surrounded by his family after contracting bronchial pneumonia.