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Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood branded the recent deaths of Paul O’Grady and Len Goodman as a ‘double whammy.’
The Blankety Blank host died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ at his home on March 28 at the age of 67.
He was laid to rest last week following a private funeral, which was held at St Rumwold’s Church in the village of Bonnington.
Weeks later, Craig’s former Strictly co-star and head judge Len died aged 78 from bone cancer while being cared for in a hospice Tunbridge Wells in Kent on April 24.
During Thursday’s edition of This Morning, the Australian dancer discussed the loss of Paul, who he was sharing his Miss Hannigan panto role with.
‘When I turned up for my week, we then of course dedicated all the performances that week to Paul,’ he told presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
The beloved presenter died on March 28 at the age of 67 (Picture: ITV)
‘It was a shock for the company, it was a shock for all of us. We didn’t know what was going to happen, but we had to get on with the show… as they say the show must go on, but it was really emotional. It was really hard to breathe and to get through because we were all in that state of panic and shock.’
When asked about Len’s death, Craig said losing his former friend was ‘ a double whammy.’
‘It really hit me [with Len] because I’m performing in Dartford at the moment and that’s where Len and his lovely wife taught me ballroom and Latin,’ he said.
‘ I have fantastic memories of him…’ (Picture: PA)
‘When I joined Strictly, I was a classical dancer but not ballroom and latin and he said ‘you need to get down my school’ and I learnt to dance there with him. I have fantastic memories of him…’
Following the news of Len’s death, Craig was one of the first to pay tribute to the Strictly legend.
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‘I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away,’ he tweeted.
‘My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family. Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and “It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern”will live with me forever. RIP Len.’
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
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‘It was a shock for all of us.’