Amy Dowden shared some tragic news (Image: Instagram)

Amy Dowden has shared the tragic loss of her “hero”. The Strictly Come Dancing professional took to Instagram ahead of Saturday’s live final to say that she will be dedicating her dance on the programme to someone very special to her.

The 35-year-old shared some memories as she announced that the person who had taught her to dance, Philip, many years ago had died. Sharing some snaps of them together, Amy emotionally penned: “Yesterday we lost my dancing hero. [broken heart emoji.] She continued: “Like a second dad to me! You both have been like parents to me. Philip my first ever dance teacher who guided me through my entire career. I wrote phil a letter when I was a teenager to tell him he gave me my wings to fly. He mentioned it in his Speech at my wedding and told me how much it meant to him last week.” Amy said that he meant “so much” to her and her opportunities and achievements are down to him. She added: “So many dancing but other special memories together.

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“From Christmas Day 2021 where we cried belly laughing all together, you coming to Strictly on my first year and I got you up, making a speech at my wedding (which was very long)…

“Dress shopping with Carol where we dragged you to every shop. The list goes on and I’m so lucky to have these memories!”

She then shared that the dance teacher would be “forever in her heart” and she is “so sad” that she won’t “hear your jokes, your advice, see you dance again.”

“My heart is aching so much for Carol losing her true love on her birthday,” Amy continued, “but I see it now as the date belongs to Phill’s story too, and his life was you through and through…. Phil I’ll be dancing for you tomorrow night and always. Your Amy xxxxx.”

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Fans rushed to support the Welsh dancer, with one fan writing: “What a beautiful tribute Amy. It sounds like your dear friend and mentor Phillip, was a truly wonderful man. So sorry for your loss, and for his family and friends. Thinking of his wife, such a hard time for her loosing the love of her life. Take care one and all.”

Another said: “I’m so very sorry for your loss Amy. You have had more to deal with on the last few years than anyone should have to experience I a lifetime. I’m sure Phillip will continue to watch over you, beaming with pride.

“You’ve achieved so much in spite of your illness, all whilst smiling. You are a true inspiration.”

Meanwhile, a third said: “So sorry to read this. Sending you a huge hug xx”.