Fleur East’s heartbreak as she’s 12th Strictly contestant confirmed ‘No longer with us’ | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV
The lineup for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing is starting to fill out with former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and X Factor star Fleur East the latest star to sign up to the BBC show. Discussing her decision to join the cast of 2022, Fleur touched on how her late father was behind the choice.
“I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up,” Fleur began.
“I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.
“It’s such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my father who loved it so much.”
Sharing her heartbreaking backstory, she continued: “Unfortunately my Dad is no longer with us but I know he will be watching over the ballroom in spirit.
READ MORE: Richard Madeley sparks uproar after telling guest ‘Get to the point’
“I’m doing this to make him and my family proud and can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on!”
Fleur’s father Malcolm died in March 2020, just as the UK was entering lockdown as a result of the Covid pandemic.
Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine a few months later in June 2020, Fleur opened up about how she was handling the loss.
“It was just at the start of lockdown, this whole global pandemic has been so surreal for so many different reasons, it almost doesn’t feel like it happened.
“Loved by so many! You were always my biggest fan! Cheering me on until the end. You taught me and Keshia to be confident and to always chase our dreams.
“I will forever continue to make you proud. I’m so happy you saw us achieve so much. Every note I sing, every song I write and everything I do, will be for you.
“This album is for you Dad. Love you so much Daddy Darling. Have an amazing time up there,” she concluded.
Fleur becomes the 12th star to sign up to this year’s series of Strictly, joining a whole host of famous faces who’ve already been confirmed to appear.
