Diversity star Ashley Banjo has said he already misses his beloved childhood dog Rocky, who died on Tuesday.
The professional dancer and Dancing On Ice judge wrote to his fans on Twitter: “RIP Rocky – I didn’t want today to pass without introducing you all to a very special soul.”
Along with a picture of his pet, Ashley added: “Most of you have never seen him… But he’s been in my life since I was a kid and today we lost him. I wanted you all to see his handsome face!
“Love you and miss you already boy.”
Fans of Ashley shared their condolences on the social media site, with one saying “it must be heartbreaking to lose someone who has been a part of the Banjo family for so long.”
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Jeff Brazier, who worked with Ashley on ITV’s recent The Full Monty Live, said: “I’m sure Rocky was an incredibly special companion for you all. Sending love to the gang.”
Others shared their own memories of losing a pet, while sending their love and support to Ashley.
The previous day, Ashley had revealed he’d just got a new puppy.
Ashley posted on Instagram, along with a snap of him cuddling the puppy: “Meet Melvin the Great Dane Puppy at 8weeks old! The newest member of the Banjo Household… @francescabanjo and I are a little bit in love already.
“I’m sure there will be a lot more pics to come, he won’t be this small for long! #newpuppy #greatdane.”
Ashley and Francesca already own a Great Dane called Oscar, and a Chihuahua called KP.
The 29-year-old rose to fame when his dance troupe Diversity won Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.
Most recently, he’s served as a judge on Dancing On Ice and choreographed both The Real Full Monty: Live and The Real Full Monty: Ladies Night.
The two ITV shows featured a slew of celebrities stripping off to raise awareness of regular check-ups and detecting cancer symptoms early.
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