STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has released a heartfelt statement following the death of beloved former star Michael Wentink.
The judge shared the emotional message on social media, saying "he was like family".
Michael Wentink was a star judge on Strictly Come Dancing South Africa and was just 46 years old when he died.
Shirley said: "Michael wasn't just part of my life, he was like family".
"He wasn't just an incredible dancer, he was a kind, caring soul who brought so much joy, warmth and laughter into our lives."
She continued on, saying: "His loyalty and love were unmatched, and his smile was irreplaceable.
"He spent many days at my house; he loved the children and would forever be checking in," she said.
"One of the kindest souls I've had the pleasure of crossing paths with."
Shirley said she would "never forget suggesting this aqua suit to Michael, and he just laughed saying 'let's give it a go Shirls'".
"Michael and Beata danced magnificently and won," Shirley continued.
"That's a day I'll carry with me forever.
"You touched so many lives, Michael, and I'm blessed to have been one of them."
Shirley finished off the heartbreaking message, saying: "With a heavy heart, I'll miss you deeply."
"Rest in peace, my friend, alongside your beautiful Beata. Forever in our hearts. X."
Alongside her heartbreaking farewell, Shirley shared pictures of Michael.
The snaps and videos included the pair performing together, as well as a solo picture of Michael.
Tributes for the beloved star poured into Shirley's comments, including from former Pussycat Dolls singer, Ashley Roberts.
"Sending love. Love watching you dance," she commented with a broken heart emoji.
Fellow professional dancer Vadim Garbuzov said: "Him and Beata were the first professional showcase I have ever seen live".
"It was in Kyiv in 2001, it was fantastic.
"Rest in peace, what a great influential champion he was," Garbuzov finished.
Michael's death was confirmed by his dance partner and close friend Ralf Lepehne in a heartfelt tribute on social media.
"[Michael] left us far too soon and the loss is immeasurable," he wrote.
"His passing is a painful reminder that the brightest lights often cast the deepest shadows, and that the strongest among us can be fighting battles we cannot see."
Ralf added Michael had been battling "the relentless weight of depression with quiet courage".
"While our world is dimmer without him, Michael's spirit, laughter and his profound passion for dance will live on in our hearts forever.
"May you finally find the peace you so deserved, Michael."
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
It's been a heartbreaking week in show business, as fans also paid tribute to late Vice Principles star Kimberley Hebert Gregory.
Kimberley's ex husband confirmed her passing in a touching social media tribute on Sunday.
The actress was just 52 years old.
Best known for her role as school principal Dr Belinda Brown in the 2016 HBO sitcom, Kimberley died on Friday.
She also played Ms Davora in The Big Bang Theory, Deborah Curzon on Grey's Anatomy, and Better Call Saul's Kyra Hay.
"Kimberly Hébert Gregory You Were Brilliance Embodied," her ex-husband Chester Gregory wrote in a touching tribute on Instagram.
Gregory, with whom Kimberley has one son, reflected on how her spirit will live on through their child and thanked her for the lessons she taught them.
"You Taught Us Lessons In Courage, In Artistry, In Resilience, And In How To Keep Showing Up, Even When Life Demanded More Than Its Share," he wrote.
"Through Our Best, Through Our Greatest Challenges, What Remained Was Love, Respect, And A Bond No Storm Could Break."
"So Much More Than Ex-Wife, You Were My Friend. Our Son, The Song We Wrote Together, Is The Living Echo Of Your Light," he said.
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