STRICTLY Come Dancing star Ugo Monye has dedicated his first dance to his father – after attending his funeral hours before he was due to perform.
The former rugby player took to the dancefloor for the first time alongside pro partner Oti Mabuse this evening, performing a high-energy samba to Iko Iko (My Bestie) by Justin Wellington ft. Small Jam.
However, after receiving the judges’ critiques, Ugo revealed that the routine was an extra special dedication to his father, who had died just a few weeks ago.
Speaking to Claudia Winkleman, he said: ”So my dad passed away a couple of weeks ago, prostate cancer, and we had his funeral this morning. During the funeral, they spoke about today being a day of celebration – and that's exactly how today feels.
“So there's no better way of celebrating them by dancing. Tonight feels really special.”
Ugo was supported by the audience who cheered him on, with Oti wrapping a supportive arm around him after his revelation.
Fans were shocked to hear about the loss, and also sent their love to Ugo as they watched on from home.
“Ugo has my heart! know his father is looking down and feeling proud!,” wrote one viewer.
Another wrote: “Ugo Monye buried his dad today and danced in celebration tonight. Go on lad Ah #strictly you get me every time.”
“So sorry to hear about the death of Ugos dad,” added a third. “He would have been so proud of you tonight Ugo!!”
While a fourth said: “Respect to Ugo for going out and performing like that after such loss.”
The duo left the dancefloor with a respectable start of 18 out of 40.
Shirley Ballas caused a stir as she commented on Ugo’s hip-swaying ability, complimenting his bright pink outfit and telling him: “You’ve got all the gear, my dear!
"There’s not a part of your body that doesn’t want to move, even if it’s not supposed to, it wants to. You had the volta going the opposite way but you reinvented the volta.
“You make me feel good baby!”
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays with the results show on Sunday on BBC One.
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