Craig Revel Horwood, a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, called the tragic deaths of Paul O’Grady and Len Goodman a ‘double blow.’
On March 28, at the age of 67, the Blankety Blank presenter died ‘unexpectedly but quietly’ at his home.
He was put to rest last week after a private burial at St Rumwold’s Church in the village of Bonnington.
Craig’s old Strictly co-star and head judge Len died of bone cancer on April 24 at the age of 78 at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
During Thursday’s This Morning, the Australian dancer discussed the death of Paul, with whom he shared the Miss Hannigan pantomime role.
‘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.
‘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 questioned about Len’s death, Craig replied it 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.
‘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…’
Craig was among the first to pay homage to the Strictly Come Dancing veteran after learning of his passing.
‘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.