Fleur East broke down in tears on live TV today over the thought that her dad won't get to see her dance on Strictly.
The X Factor runner-up, 34, was announced as the twelfth celebrity taking part in the BBC dancing show earlier today. Appearing on Lorraine shortly afterwards, she admitted that she was "nervous" but thrilled to be taking part.
"It's been so many weeks that I've had to keep it a secret," she told host Ranvir Singh. Quizzed on whether she feels the pressure having already had some dance experience by performing in her music videos, she said: "There's too much pressure, I'm so nervous... I can't do ay technical dancing."
Insisting that it was a "completely different level", Fleur said that she hoped that being a qualified personal trainer would work in her favour with her stamina. "It's just an honour to be part of such a big show."
She also recalled her dad being a huge Strictly fan, admitting that he used to be constantly checking his phone for updates on the show while he was watching her perform on The X Factor back in 2014. Sadly, her dad died from a heart attack during lockdown.
"Dad was a Strictly fan," Fleur said as she teared up. "I'm gutted that he can't see it... I wasn't expecting to get this emotional about it."
Back in March 2020, Fleur paid a tear-jerking tribute to her father on Instagram as she thanked her dad Malcolm for "cheering her on until the end".
She posted a string of pictures of her and her dad together, including a stunning image of him walking her down the aisle at her wedding to husband Marcel Badiane-Robin, and another of him posing up with Fleur and her lookalike sister Keshia.
Fleur wrote: "Daddy East, Max, the ultimate G! What a man you were! So young at heart, always living in the moment! Swagger in abundance and such an unforgettable presence. Loved by so many! You were always my biggest fan! Cheering me on until the end.
"You taught me and Keshia to be confident and to always chase our dreams. I will forever continue to make you proud. I’m so happy you saw us achieve so much.
"Every note I sing, every song I write and everything I do, will be for you. This album is for you Dad. Love you so much Daddy Darling. Have an amazing time up there! See you soon"
*Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV
