VIEWERS watched Strictly Come Dancing pro Lauren Oakley choke back tears during an emotional interview with her celeb partner Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
The duo – who were booted off the BBC show on Sunday night – were visibly moved on Monday’s It Takes Two installment and comforted each other through the segment.
While appearing on the spin-off show following his premature elimination, professional dancer Lauren was overcome with emotion after watching a video message featuring the former Chelsea footballer’s wife, Natalie, and their three daughters.
“We’re so proud of you and your Strictly journey – you’ve blown us away every week,” Natalie said.
His eldest daughter Lauren added: “We’re so proud of what you’ve accomplished and that you’ve started from scratch. We can’t wait to keep dancing with you.”
Daughter Miah continued: “Thank you Daddy for stepping out of your comfort zone for us – you’re absolutely amazing.’
His youngest Khloe added: “Well done, Daddy.”
Finishing the message, Natalie added: “And Lauren, thank you for bringing out this new and fun side of Jimmy.”
Viewers watched as the moving tribute left Lauren wiping away tears, confessing that the message had immediately opened the flood gates.
Strictly pro Lauren dabbed her face with a tissue and confessed: “It’s setting me off already.”
Jimmy admitted: “That was emotional. They are really happy – they have been so supportive.
“Obviously, they were very sad after Saturday but very proud. It’s family time, it’s bringing everybody together and to see them and to see that message, I’ve got no words.”
The former professional footballer, 53, performed an American Smooth with Lauren for Icons Week.
They found themselves in the bottom two alongside Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, despite both couples receiving some of the week’s highest scores.
Jimmy and Lauren’s American Smooth to Prince‘s Purple Rain clocked up an impressive 30 points, while Amber and Nikita bagged 33 points for their Cha Cha Cha to Ariana Grande‘s Break Free.
Jimmy was left emotional during his exit interview with co-host Tess Daly and said that the show had been an experience of a lifetime.
Jimmy said: “I’ve absolutely loved it. I can only say thank you very much for having this experience.
“My daughters pushing me to come here and do this.
“I never expected that I’d enjoy it this much. This experience is going to live with me forever.
“More importantly this girl [Lauren], she’s a diamond, thank you very much.
“You’ve been absolutely amazing with me.”
