STRICTLY Come Dancing champ Kelvin Fletcher has paid an emotional tribute to his late friend on his birthday.

The former Emmerdale star, 37, shared a fun snap of himself and his pal in fancy dress on Instagram before writing a heartfelt caption.

Kelvin Fletcher has paid tribute to his late friend on his birthday

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Kelvin Fletcher has paid tribute to his late friend on his birthdayCredit: Instagram
Kelvin and his friend are wearing matching blue dresses in the picture, along with bright red lipstick and eye make-up.

While Kelvin is also sporting a platinum blonde wig, his mate is wearing silver hooped earrings.

Reflecting on their friendship, Kelvin posted a red, broken heart emoji and wrote: “You’d go along with anything I said and I would you!

“Happy Birthday lad. I’d give anything to have you back.”

The star posted a broken heart emoji alongside his emotional message

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The star posted a broken heart emoji alongside his emotional messageCredit: Instagram
English rugby player Thomas Burgess commented on the post, saying: “One of a kind! Gone but never forgotten xxx.”

Kelvin’s soap star pals Adam Thomas and Danny Miller, meanwhile, showed their support by posting a string of red heart emojis.

Fans have also commented, with one writing: “Wishing your friend a happy heavenly birthday thinking of you. Great photo by the way xx.”

Kelvin, who recently starred in Death In Paradise, isn’t afraid to show his softer side to fans.

Kelvin left his dad in tears after buying him a Bentley in February

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Kelvin left his dad in tears after buying him a Bentley in February
In February, he left his father in tears after buying him a Bentley.

The actor splashed out on the £160,000 car for his dad’s 60th birthday and he was speechless when he handed it over.

Sharing a picture of the moment his dad clapped eyes on his new wheels, Kelvin wrote: “They say a picture says a thousand words. Happy 60th Dad.

The married star has two kids

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The married star has two kidsCredit: Refer to Caption
“My hero, my friend and my Dad. You’re the kindest soul I know and you’ll put anyone before yourself.

“We know how much you’ve always dreamed of this car so to see your face yesterday made my heart burst with pride and happiness. You deserve it and we are so lucky to have you.”

Weeks later, Kelvin was spotted taking his £180,000 Lamborghini Huracan to his local branch of Waitrose to do his weekly shop.

Kelvin Fletcher and Jason Manford guest star in Death in Paradise