Bill Bailey heads into the latest round of Strictly Come Dancing following the news that one of his dogs died this week.

Bailey posted the news on Twitter: "Today we said goodbye to our lovely rescue dog Banjar. Farewell old friend. Sleep well."

Bailey is a famous animal lover and has a number of dogs in his West London home.

This week Bailey and his dance partner Oti Mabuse are set to perform a couple’s choice routine. They will be dancing to Rapper’s Delight by the Sugarhill Gang.

In an article in the Telegraph Bailey recalled covering the sing as a teenager. "An old friend got in touch to tell me she had a recollection of me performing the entire 15-minute version to a barn full of partygoers when I was 18. It’s a blessing there were no camera phones back then."

There are a couple of unexpected changes to Strictly this week. Anton Du Beke is replacing judge Motsi Mabuse who is self-isolating following a trip to Germany and Nicola Adams has had to leave after her partner Katya Jones tested positive for Covid.

Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One, Saturday, 7.10pm.

Picture: BBC