Judge Strictly Shirley Ballas on the death of a colleague: 'He was like family'.

Emotional farewell from Shirley Ballas

According to The Sun: Judge of the show Strictly Come Dancing Shirley Ballas published an emotional message after the death of her beloved former dance partner Michael Wentink.

Shirley shared an emotional message on social media, emphasizing that Michael was like family to her.

Michael Wentink, star of the show Strictly Come Dancing South Africa, passed away at the age of 46.

'Michael was not only a part of my life, he was like family,' said Shirley.

She also emphasized that Michael was not only a great dancer but also a wonderful person who brought joy and warmth to their lives.

'He spent many days at my house; he loved the children and always checked how we were doing,' she added.

Shirley shared a memory: 'I will never forget how I suggested to Michael this aquamarine tuxedo, and he just smiled and said, 'let's try it.'

'Michael and Beata danced wonderfully and won,' she continued. 'I will carry that day with me forever.'

'You touched so many lives, Michael, and I'm glad I was one of them,' Shirley summed up.

Shirley ended her emotional message with the words: 'With a heavy heart, I will miss you. Rest in peace, my friend, along with your beautiful Beata. Forever in our hearts. X.'

Next to Shirley's message, she published pictures of Michael, and numerous words of support appeared in the comments, including from former Pussycat Dolls singer, Ashley Roberts.

'Sending love. I love watching you dance,' she wrote, adding a broken heart emoticon.

Professional dancer Wadim Garbuzov also expressed condolences: 'He and Beata were the first professional dancers I saw live.'

The death of Michael was confirmed by his dance partner and close friend Ralf Leppen in an emotional post on social media.

'Michael left us too soon, and the loss is immeasurable,' he wrote.

Ralf emphasized that Michael struggled with depression, but his spirit and passion for dance will remain in the hearts of all.

'May you finally find what you deserve, Michael,' concluded Ralf.

How to Get Help

One life is lost every 90 minutes in the UK due to suicide.

It does not choose, touching the lives of people from all walks of life - from the homeless to doctors and celebrities.

It is the leading killer of people under 35.

If you or someone you know needs help resolving mental health problems, the following organizations offer support:

• CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
• Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
• HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
• Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
• Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
• Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123

This week brought sadness to the showbiz world as fans also honored the memory of the late Vice Principals star Kimberley Hebert Gregory.

Kimberley's ex-husband confirmed her death in an emotional post on social media on Sunday.

'Kimberley Hebert Gregory, you embodied genius,' her ex-husband Chester Gregory wrote in an emotional post on Instagram.

Chester described how her spirit will live on through their son and thanked her for the lessons she imparted.

'You taught us lessons of courage, artistry, resilience, and how to carry on, even when life demanded more,' he noted.