Tribute have been pouring in for Leon Heywood after the performer who appeared Sky's Got To Dance show tragically died at the age of 45.
Leon was part of the Trinity Warriors Dance Academy that reached the semi-finals of the show in 2011. Judges Davina McCall, Kimberly Wyatt and Diversity's Ashley Banjo were huge fans of his choreography, describing their performances as "the best seen on a live round to date".
The dance group confirmed the sad news of their friend's passing on Wednesday. They said in a statement shared on social media: "It is with great regret we would like to inform you of the passing of Leon Heywood, one of the academy's founding fathers."
"Leon was such an incredible person and he was an inspiration to every single one of us, from students to parents, to supporters and the dance community as a whole, he inspired so many of us and was everyone's biggest support. To many of you he wasn't just a dance teacher, he was a mentor, a friend, a role model, some of you thought of him as a father figure or a big brother and he loved every single one of you.
"Leon helped pave the way for so many of us and shaped us into not only the dancers we are today but also contributed into shaping us all into the people we are today. His students have gone on to do incredible things and even if your path didn't continue in dance he was proud of us all and what we have all accomplished."
The tribute continued: "The news of his passing has been a great shock to us all, however, Leon was a man of God and faith and he is now at peace in heaven and would want us all to remember all of the amazing memories we are all so privileged to share together. With that being said, the Trinity Warriors and Academy prides itself not just on the incredible talent of our dancers are but most importantly the value of being apart of a crew and dance family... and that's exactly what we are, one big Trinity family, so please feel free to share any pictures, videos or just words in the comment section below so we can all look back and share all our special moments.
"Please also allow Leon's family and close ones time to grieve at this difficult time, all your messages and kind words are being read and are appreciated and loved at this difficult time. Leon's life will be celebrated and through us all and his legacy will live on forever...
Rest in eternal peace Leon aka "Boogie" T's up forever."
Paying tribute on social media, one Facebook user wrote: "Heartbroken to hear the passing of Leon Heywood, was truly the greatest mentor at Trinity Warriors Dance Academy and always took the time to send his wishes to us on special occasions. Rest in paradise you will truly be missed."
"I've worked with many choreographers over the decades, across many forms of dance. Leon was right up there with the very best," another penned. "His street dance classes were demanding, and he was instrumental in convincing me that I could breakdance in my (then) mid-fifties. Treasured memories... RIP."
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English (US) ·