Strictly Come Dancing’s Ugo Monye has been praised for making his debut performance on the show just hours after attending his father’s funeral.
The former rugby union player, who is a sports pundit, took to the dance floor with his professional dancing partner Oti Mabuse on Saturday.
He was commended by the judges for “giving it his all”.
As he waited for their scores he revealed to co-presenter Claudia Winkleman the poignant background to his first dance.
Winkleman said to Monye: “I know you wanted to dedicate this first dance to somebody very special.”
Monye replied: “My dad passed away a couple of weeks ago [from] prostate cancer, we had his funeral this morning.
“During the funeral, they spoke about today being a day of celebration and that’s exactly how today felt, there’s no better way of celebrating than by dancing, so tonight feels really special.”
Viewers of the show expressed their support for Monye following his revelation.
One wrote: “All love to Ugo Monye tonight. Having his father’s funeral this morning and coming out and doing Strictly tonight- more power to the man.”
Another wrote: “First weep of the series. I’m sure Ugo’s Dad would be super proud of that. Amazing for week one and after such an emotional fortnight and day for him. xx”
Presenter Vernon Kaye, and husband of Strictly’s co-presenter Tess Daly, tweeted: “Wow! Bravo @ugomonye Tough day, great first dance.”
Mabuse and Monye performed the Samba to the track “Iko Iko (My Bestie)”by Justin Wellington featuring Small Jam.
The pair received positive comments from the judges, particularly head judge Shirley Ballas.
Speaking prior to the show’s launch, Monye said taking part in Strictly was “a dream come true” and he wanted to prove to people that he has “more than dad dancing moves”.
He added: “My two beautiful daughters never had a chance to see me on the rugby pitch, so to know they can watch me waltzing and twirling every week is really special to me.
“I love an outfit at the best of times, so bring on the sequins!”
