This week, BBC star Fleur East took a moment to tell her Instagram followers how much she’s going to miss her co-star.

The 37-year-old, who alternates presenting It Takes Two with Janette Manrara, took part in Strictly Come Dancing back in 2022.

Another added, “There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. We’ve all shared so many incredible moments together, and it’s hard to imagine the show without them.”

The farewell had reportedly been planned quietly for weeks, but the emotional weight of the moment took even the most composed professionals by surprise. The Strictly star giving the goodbye was overwhelmed by messages of love from fans and colleagues alike. Soon after filming ended, they took to social media to share a final message.

“Today was one of the hardest days of my life,” the post read. “Strictly has been my home for so long, and leaving it feels surreal. To everyone who’s danced, cheered, laughed, and cried with me — thank you. I’ll carry you in my heart forever.”

Fleur finished as a runner-up with her professional partner, Vito Coppola, who recently opened up on a hidden moment in his routine with Ellie Goldstein, although she returned to the Strictly family two years ago.

However, outside of the glitz and glam of the BBC show, Fleur has been a radio host for many years, hosting her own show on Hits Radio.

This week, she took to Instagram to pay tribute to one of her co-stars, who was celebrating their last day at work. Sharing an image to her Instagram stories, a man was seen smiling at the camera in the studio in front of balloons that read ‘last disco’.

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Fleur East took to Instagram to share that it was her co-star’s last day at work(Image: fleureast/instagram)

Fleur wrote on the image: “It’s Alec’s last disco today! (Last day) at Hits. We’ve had an amazing 6 years working on the show together.

The emotional moment came as the cast gathered for what was supposed to be a routine wrap-up at the end of the day’s filming.

Instead, it turned into an impromptu celebration of a career that has left a lasting imprint on everyone involved.

When the departing colleague — whose warm spirit and infectious enthusiasm had become a cornerstone of the Strictly family — took the microphone to say a few words, the room fell silent.

“I’ll miss you all more than words can say,” they began, their voice trembling. “This isn’t just a job — it’s a family. Thank you for every memory, every laugh, every dance.”

As the speech continued, tears flowed freely among the cast and crew. Several of the professional dancers embraced each other, while judges and hosts looked on with misty eyes. A few could be seen wiping away tears as they applauded their departing friend. One insider described the atmosphere as “like saying goodbye to a sibling.”

“So many laughs and Alec you’ve taught me a lot. All the best for the future. I’ll miss you, but excited for your next adventure.”

This week, BBC fans saw Fleur return to It Takes Two after celebrating her sister’s wedding. During one episode, she spoke to Karen Carney and Carlos Gu about their most recent Tango routine, which earned them a score of 20 from the judges.

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Fleur East has been part of Strictly’s It Takes Two since 2023(Image: BBC)

Before they took to the dancefloor, the football star opened up about her spinal condition, which she’s had since childhood.

The show’s executive producer also paid tribute, saying, “We’ve been incredibly lucky to have someone so talented, passionate, and generous as part of the Strictly family. Their legacy will live on in every step, every smile, and every moment they helped create. They will always be part of the Strictly story.”

The farewell episode — which was filmed privately but may be included in an upcoming behind-the-scenes feature — captured some of the show’s most moving moments to date. As the final words were spoken, the cast gathered for one last group dance, set to a song chosen specially by the departing member.

The performance was said to be full of emotion, laughter, and gratitude — a celebration of everything Strictly stands for. When it ended, the crowd erupted into applause, and the tears started all over again.

Although the departure marks the end of an era, it also signals a new beginning. Sources close to the production say the star is moving on to explore new creative opportunities, including television projects and charity work. “They’ve got so much more to give,” one friend revealed. “This isn’t goodbye forever — it’s just the next step in a new adventure.”

Even as they step away from the glittering ballroom, the love between them and the Strictly family remains unshakable. Several cast members have already vowed to keep in touch and reunite for future projects.

“Once you’re part of Strictly, you’re always part of Strictly,” one professional dancer said with a smile. “We’ll see each other again — maybe not on the dance floor, but somewhere just as special.”

Fleur asked: “How much of a challenge is that going to be for you in this competition?”

She replied, “I’m not going to lie, it was hard. As Carlos mentioned, getting into frame is quite difficult. But I’m happy, I’m healthy, and there’s been a lot of improvement, even from the launch show.

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The football star confessed she’s ‘petrified’ of the elimination process on Strictly(Image: BBC)

“There are things that I won’t be able to do, but with his help (Carlos) and his support, we’ll get there. Like I said, I’m happy, I’m healthy, and it doesn’t stop me from doing the dance.”

BBC viewers can see Karen and Carlos take to the dancefloor again this Saturday (October 11) where they take on a Cha Cha dance to the song She’s a Lady from the film Miss Congeniality for Movie Week.

The set of Strictly Come Dancing was filled with emotion this week as one of the show’s beloved stars broke down in tears during a heartfelt farewell. In a moment that moved both cast and crew, a long-standing colleague signed off for the final time, marking the end of an unforgettable chapter in the hit BBC dance show’s history. As cameras stopped rolling and goodbyes were exchanged, the atmosphere was heavy with gratitude, nostalgia, and love.

Within minutes, tributes poured in from every corner of the Strictly community. Fellow cast members shared photos, memories, and emotional messages celebrating their colleague’s contribution to the show. “You’ve been my rock,” one dancer wrote.

“Your kindness and energy light up every room. I’m going to miss our giggles in rehearsal more than I can say.” Another star added, “You’ve been such an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for everything — this place won’t be the same without you.”

Fans were equally heartbroken, flooding social media with their own goodbyes. Many described how the star’s presence had become synonymous with Strictly’s warmth and magic.

“You’ve made us laugh and cry every year,” one viewer posted. “It’s hard to imagine Saturday nights without you.” Another wrote, “Your energy is what makes Strictly special. Thank you for all the joy you’ve brought into our living rooms.

” The hashtag #ThankYouStrictlyStar began trending within hours, with thousands of fans sharing clips and messages from the past seasons to celebrate their favorite moments.

Behind the scenes, colleagues revealed just how much work and dedication the departing star had poured into the show. Known for their professionalism and positivity, they were often the first to arrive on set and the last to leave.

“They’ve always gone above and beyond for everyone — dancers, contestants, even production staff,” said one insider. “If someone was having a bad day, they’d be the first person to lift their spirits. Their absence will leave a huge hole in the team.”

The star’s emotional farewell has reminded both fans and colleagues what Strictly Come Dancing truly represents: not just sequins, music, and movement, but the deep human connections forged behind the scenes.

The laughter shared during rehearsals, the nerves before live shows, the friendships that blossom over years — those are the moments that define the show far beyond the glitterball trophy.

As the lights dimmed and the final hugs were exchanged, one thing became clear: this was more than just a goodbye. It was a testament to the power of joy, teamwork, and love that Strictly Come Dancing has brought into millions of homes.

“I’ll miss you,” the departing star said through tears as they left the ballroom floor for the last time. And though the applause eventually faded, their legacy — and the emotion of that final day — will continue to dance on in the hearts of everyone who was there.