Strictly star Judi Love breaks down in tears over ‘hero’ parents’ death as she dances to their favourite song

STRICTLY star Judi Love broke down in tears over her "hero" parents' death as she danced to their favourite song.

The Loose Women star, 41, performed a moving Waltz dedicated to her parents.

After landing in the bottom two last week, the comedian was ready to pull out all the stops to wow the judges.

Judi revealed that she was dancing the Waltz to Mariah Carey's classic hit Hero.

The TV star explained that the track had a special connection to her.

Speaking to pro dancer Graziano Di Prima during rehearsals, Judi said: "This dance I am going to dedicate it to my parents.

"They loved their dancing, they loved their music, they are my heroes."

Judi, who lost her mum 11 years ago and her dad give months ago, said she was very similar to her parents.

Graziano asked if Judi had any similarities to her parents. She laughed: "Both of my parents had a lot of personality."

Tearing up, Judi said: "My mum had so much light...unfortunately she had many strokes and she had dementia. It takes away from that personality.

"I think that's what I struggle with.

"And with my dad, until his last days he knew what was going on.

"He lived and enjoyed life."

Ahead of the performance, Judi said she was thrilled to share the dance with the public.

BBC One viewers were left sobbing as they watched Judi's moving performance.

One wrote: "Oh Judi...love your emotions. Your parents would be so proud of you...they are in your heart forever."

Another posted: "Judi Love that was simply BEAUTIFUL. #Strictly"

A third shared: "Judi Love dancing to Mariah Carey is immaculate vibes. Strictly"

"I'm sobbing after seeing Judi Love dance just there...#Strictly," another added.

Shirley Ballas said she enjoyed the performance and could feel the raw "emotion and pain".

Anton Du Beke agreed that he could feel the sentiment within the dance - and praised her for a flawless dance.

Despite pointing out some issues, Craig Revel Horwood blown away by the sentiment and Motsi Mabuse told Judi to continue to keep pushing herself to achieve more.

Speaking to co-host Claudia Winkleman, Judi sobbed as she thanked her sister for being her biggest supporter and for caring for her when she was growing up.

Earlier this year, Judi was left "heartbroken and empty" after her father died.

The comedian shared the sad news on Instagram alongside a photo of her and her dad.

The picture shows a happy Judi with her arm on her father, who is sat wearing a white shirt with chinos.

She captioned the image: "I feel empty and heartbroken for many reasons 💔🙏🏾 RIP Dad 😢

"These last few weeks I tried to make you comfortable, tried to get to you dad, I really did. Rest Well 🕊"

The star's showbiz pals wished their condolences in the comments, with fellow comedian Dane Baptiste saying: "❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ love and light to him. My condolences. Dad is at peace now Judi and we are here for you xx"

Judi - who is the youngest of five children - cared for her mother before her death from dementia in 2009.

In February 2020, Judi broke down in tears over her late mother's dementia battle - revealing she couldn't remember who she was.

She said: "The spirit of the person is gone and you've got the shell. As a carer, I can't even explain the emotional [impact]. It's so draining.

"I remember one time I was with my mum, she just didn't know who I was. I went to my friends house, and I went to the kitchen and I just screamed and cried and cried.

"I can't explain seeing someone you've grown with or you've loved and they're gone, they're absolutely gone."