Strictly Come Dancing professional Karen Hardy broke down in tears as she read out the last text Bill Turnbull sent her before he died while paying tribute to the star.

Bill died aged 66 after battling prostate cancer at his home in Suffolk on Wednesday 31 August.

The late presenter developed a friendship with Karen after he partnered up with her on Strictly’s third series back in 2005, and had messaged her recently before he tragically passed away.

Karen read her last text from Bill out as she paid tribute to her long-time friend on BBC Breakfast, which he co-hosted from 2001 until 2016.

Appearing via video link, she said: "One of my last texts with him, he goes, 'Amazing how after 16 years people still ask me about Strictly. Some of the best fun I ever had. I'm always grateful to you for that.' And I just…”

Karen trailed off as she became too emotional to speak whilst remembering Bill.

Presenter Naga Munchetty helped her out in the studio, as she spoke abouot the pair’s lasting friendship over the years.

"The bonds that have been created and the friendship you had, it was precious and honestly,” Naga said.

“I know it's so upsetting, but you've done him proud."

Karen had shared her “shock” at Bill’s death earlier on, saying: “It’s just hit me now actually. I'm currently here in New Zealand so the phone started going like crazy.

“Believe it or not the last time the phones went crazy like this from the media, was the passing of Bruce Forsyth.”

Bill was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 and kept the news private for a year.

Karen described the star as a “mentor” figure to her, as she continued: "It’s something to reflect with this gentleman, such a gentleman, such a mentor. Life-changing for me.

“I think just hearing that last summary of everything. All of that was going through my mind and then I met this man that turned out to be my mentor, friend, oh gosh, so much.

“I owe him so much because it was from that first show and my debut on TV that he made TV magical."

Several tributes have been paid to Bill since the news of his passing, including one from his former BBC Breakfast co-host Susanna Reid, who called him the “kindest, most generous man".

READ MORE:

• BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has died aged 66 after cancer battle
• Bill Turnbull remembered as 'the kindest man' as Susanna Reid leads tributes
• Bill Turnbull hosted last show just 12 days before his death aged 66
• Bill Turnbull's career from BBC Breakfast to Strictly Come Dancing

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