FLEUR East broke down in tears as she opened up about her dad's death after being confirmed for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
The singer's dad Malcolm passed away in 2020 after suffering a heart attack and Fleur, 34, revealed why her Strictly news is bittersweet for that reason.
Appearing on Thursday's Lorraine, former X Factor runner-up Fleur told Ranvir Singh: "For me it’s quite sentimental because my daddy passed away in 2020 and Strictly was his favourite show.
"When I was on The X Factor he used to, in the breaks in the live studio, check his phone for the Strictly updates because he was really annoyed that he couldn’t watch it.
"So I’m just going to be doing it for him, I’m gutted that he can’t see me do it. I’m just going to keep him in mind when I’m doing the show."
As ex-I'm a Celebrity campmate Fleur continued her voice cracked, and she said: "My family, for that reason, I think they’re going to be buzzing."
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She was then seen wiping away tears as she added: "I wasn’t expecting to get this emotional about it."
Fleur, who hosts the Hits radio breakfast show, confirmed the news this morning, saying: "I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up.
"I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.
"It’s such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much.
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"Unfortunately my Dad is no longer with us but I know he will be watching over the ballroom in spirit.
"I’m doing this to make him and my family proud and can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on!”
Fleur appeared on The X Factor in 2014 and went on to launch a pop career.
Fleur joins a sparking line up of stars for the 2022 series – footballer Tony Adams, Bros star Matt Goss, Kiss radio host Tyler West, Paralympic swimming gold medallist Ellie Simmonds, comedian and actress Jayde Adams.
Coronation Street actors Will Mellor and Kym Marsh, Loose Women star Kaye Adams, Radio 2's Richie Anderson, and Ted Lasso actress Ellie Taylor have also joined the line up.
Yesterday, The Sun revealed Helen Skelton would also be taking to the dance floor – after her devastating marriage split.
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