Fleur East paid tribute to a former Strictly Come Dancing star who died over the weekend as she opened Monday’s spin-off show, It Takes Two.
The singer and former Strictly contestant shared the sad update about presenter Quentin Willson, who took part in the second series of the BBC show in 2004.
The former Top Gear star, 68, died following a battle with lung cancer, which his family confirmed in a statement on Sunday.
Opening Monday’s show, Ms East explained: “Before we carry on with the show, we’d just like to pay our respects to Strictly alumni Quentin Willson who sadly passed away at the weekend.”
Fleur East shared the news on Monday’s It Takes Two
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BBC
As a photo of Mr Willson during a routine on the dancefloor flashed behind her, the host continued: “He danced back in series two with Hazel Newbury and we’re sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Mr Willson held the title of lowest score ever given to a contestant on the BBC dancer show, with he and Ms Newbury having performed a Cha Cha Cha as their first routine on Strictly.
The pair ended up with a score of just eight out of a possible 40, making history with the figure.
Mr Willson was on BBC car show top Gear from 1991 to 2001, and was also known for presenting The Car’s the Star and The Classic Car Show.
Quentin Willson died at 68
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GETTY
Sharing the sad news of his death, Mr Willson’s family gave a statement over the weekend.
It read: “A true national treasure, Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms.”
They continued: “The void he has left can never be filled.
“His knowledge was not just learned but lived; a library of experience now beyond our reach.”
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Fleur East paid tribute to the late Quentin Willson
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BBC
Fellow former Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson also paid tribute to the presenter, taking to X to acknowledge the sad news.
He wrote on the social media site: “I’m far away so I’ve only just heard that Quentin Willson has died.
“We had some laughs over the years. Properly funny man.”
Elsewhere on the show, Ms East chatted to Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who was the latest to be eliminated from the competition.
The athlete, who was partnered with Karen Hauer, found himself in the dance-off against La Voix and Aljaž Skorjanec.
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke unanimously decided to save the drag queen performer.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer found themselves eliminated from the latest Strictly episode
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BBC
Speaking on It Takes Two, Gladiator and former sprinter Mr Aikines-Aryeetey became emotional when Ms East played a video of his Strictly highlights.
He admitted “that was tough” before detailing how much he had loved the experience.