Strictly Come Dancing star Will Best paused during the latest live show to deliver a heartfelt message to his newborn son, Sonny, leaving viewers and his dance partner in tears.
The Big Brother co-host, 41, was transformed into Elton John for Icons Week on Saturday (October 17), performing the Jive to Crocodile Rock with partner Dianne Buswell. The routine drew applause from the studio audience, but it was Will's words afterwards that struck an emotional chord.
Message to Sonny
Joining host Johannes Radebe upstairs, Will interrupted to say: "Can I say hello to somebody very special watching this? Sonny, it's your dad, and I hope you're enjoying the show. He can only see about three inches in front of his face but I think he was enjoying it."
The Strictly family presented Will with a blue babygrow reading 'Tiny Dancer', a nod to Elton John's song. Earlier, Will had reflected on fatherhood in an emotional conversation with Dianne, telling her: "You're inspirational. You are doing all of this and you've got a baby and you are clearly the most amazing mum. So I want to try and learn from you."
Viewers moved
Dianne, also in tears, replied: "You're going to be the most amazing dad and all I can say is we can do it together!"
Viewers at home shared their reactions on social media. One posted: "Why are will and Diane making me cry. #Strictly." Another wrote: "will and dianne crying wait now i'm crying too whole house in waterworks #strictly." A third praised the performance: "will definitely had his best dance this jive was absolutely brilliant to watch #strictly."
Will announced Sonny's arrival on Thursday (October 15) with photos on Instagram, writing: "Well who do we have here then? ! Welcome to the world Sonny Best, you little smasher. @tobiroseofficial you're a miracle and I love you so much. A couple of tired new parents (see last slide) but oh my goodness aren't we lucky xxx."
The latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing is streaming on BBC iPlayer.
