Shirley Ballas has paid a heartfelt tribute to a star of Strictly Come Dancing South Africa after his death aged 46.
The professional dancer, 65, took to Instagram to pay her respects to Michael Wentwick who worked as a judge on the South African version of the show.
Shirley was very close with Michael and described him as being ‘like family’ and a ‘kind, caring soul’.
‘His loyalty and love were unmatched, and his smile was irreplaceable,’ she wrote.
‘He spent many days at my house, he loved the children and would forever be checking in. One of the kindest souls I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with.’
Shirley shared several snaps of Michael including one of him in a bright suit and wrote: ‘I’ll never forget suggesting this aqua suit to Michael, and he just laughed saying, ‘Let’s give it a go, Shirls.’ @alanate11 did hair and as a team we all pulled it together so very beautifully.
Shirley Ballas has paid a heartfelt tribute to a star of Strictly Come Dancing South Africa after his death aged 46
The professional dancer, 65, took to Instagram to pay her respects to Michael Wentwick (right) who worked as a judge on the South African version of the show
‘Michael and Beata danced magnificently and won. That’s a day I’ll carry with me forever. You touched so many lives, Michael, and I’m blessed to have been one of them.
‘With a heavy heart, I’ll miss you deeply. Rest in peace, my friend, alongside your beautiful Beata. Forever in our hearts. X’.
Several people commented on Shirley’s post including Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts who wrote: ‘Sending love. Love watching you dance.’
Lizzie Cundy added: ‘So sorry for your loss,’ while Strictly dancer Karen Hauer sent a broken heart emoji.
Michael’s death was confirmed by his friend Ralf Lepehne in a moving tribute shared on social media.
‘[Michael] left us far too soon and the loss is immeasurable,’ he wrote.
‘His passing is a painful reminder that the brightest lights often cast the deepest shadows, and that the strongest among us can be fighting battles we cannot see.
‘Yet behind the trophies and the spotlight was the man we knew and loved—a dear friend and partner, a kind soul whose light touched our lives deeply.
Shirley was very close with Michael and described him as being ‘like family’ and a ‘kind, caring soul’ (seen in a video she shared of him dancing)
Shirley said Michael was ‘pne of the kindest souls I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with’
Several people commented on Shirley’s post including Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts who wrote: ‘Sending love. Love watching you dance’
‘For years, he was engaged in a long and deeply private struggle, battling the relentless weight of depression with a quiet courage known only to those closest to him.
‘While our world is dimmer without him, Michael’s spirit, his laughter, and his profound passion for dance will live on in our hearts forever.
‘May you finally find the peace you so deserved, Michael. ❤’
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Shirley Ballas pays heartfelt tribute to Strictly Come Dancing star after his death aged 46