Sky’s Got To Dance star Leon Heywood has passed away aged 45 after his dance group announced the sad news of his passing on Wednesday.
Leon was part of the Trinity Warriors Dance Academy who reached the semi-finals of the show back in 2011.
During the dancer’s time on the show judges Davina McCall, Kimberly Wyatt and Diversity’s Ashley Banjo were huge fans of his choreography and described the group’s performances as ‘the best seen on a live round to date’.
Confirming the news of his passing on Facebook on Wednesday, they wrote: ‘It is with great regret we would like to inform you of the passing of Leon Heywood, one of the academy’s founding fathers.
‘Leon was such an incredible person and he was an inspiration to every single one of us, from students to parents, to supporters and the dance community as a whole, he inspired so many of us and was everyone’s biggest support.
‘To many of you he wasn’t just a dance teacher, he was a mentor, a friend, a role model, some of you thought of him as a father figure or a big brother and he loved every single one of you.’
Sky’s Got To Dance star Leon Heywood has passed away aged 45 after his dance group announced the sad news of his passing on Wednesday
Leon was part of the Trinity Warriors Dance Academy who reached the semi-finals of the show back in 2011
Discussing his impact on those who knew him, they continued: ‘Leon helped pave the way for so many of us and shaped us into not only the dancers we are today but also contributed into shaping us all into the people we are today.
‘His students have gone on to do incredible things and even if your path didn’t continue in dance he was proud of us all and what we have all accomplished.’
While his cause of death is unknown, they added: ‘The news of his passing has been a great shock to us all, however, Leon was a man of God and faith and he is now at peace in heaven and would want us all to remember all of the amazing memories we are all so privileged to share together.
‘With that being said, the Trinity Warriors and Academy prides itself not just on the incredible talent of our dancers are but most importantly the value of being apart of a crew and dance family
‘… and that’s exactly what we are, one big Trinity family, so please feel free to share any pictures, videos or just words in the comment section below so we can all look back and share all our special moments.
‘Please also allow Leon’s family and close ones time to grieve at this difficult time, all your messages and kind words are being read and are appreciated and loved at this difficult time.
‘Leon’s life will be celebrated and through us all and his legacy will live on forever…Rest in eternal peace Leon aka ‘Boogie’ T’s up forever.’
Leon leaves behind two children and his wife who he has been married to for just short of 13 years.
Confirming the news of his passing on Facebook on Wednesday, they wrote: ‘It is with great regret we would like to inform you of the passing of Leon Heywood, one of the academy’s founding fathers
While his cause of death is unknown, they added: ‘The news of his passing has been a great shock to us all, however, Leon was a man of God and faith and he is now at peace in heaven’
Leon leaves behind two children and his wife who he has been married to for just short of 13 years (pictured in March 2022)
Taking to Facebook tributes poured in as his family and friends shared their sadness
According to his Instagram bio, aside from dancing he was also a qualified level three personal trainer and fitness coach at Groove Theory Fitness.
Taking to Facebook tributes poured in as his family and friends shared their sadness.
They penned: ‘Absolutely gutted, Leon was such a great guy. He was so patient, kind and funny… and will be missed greatly. My thoughts go out to all of you at Trinity, and Leon’s family and friends xxx’;
‘Some of my greatest memories in breaking are with the trinity lot. Leon was always a real one. RIP boogie’;
‘From a fellow past Warrior, I miss you bro. You did so much for me and everybody you were associated with’;
‘I am deeply saddened to hear of Leon’s passing. He was an exceptional teacher, always patient and had the kindest soul. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time’.
