Strictly Come Dancing legend passes away after 'short illness' as family pay tribute

• Showbiz
• Strictly Come Dancing

Laurence Holloway, a former musical director on Strictly Come Dancing, has died at the age of 86 after a 'short illness' his daughter Abigail Holloway has confirmed

Tributes have been paid

Strictly Come Dancing is mourning the loss of one of its original musical maestros, Laurence Holloway, who has passed away at 86, his family announced. The renowned English composer, who had an illustrious start as a dance band pianist, died following a "short illness" on Thursday, confirmed by his daughter Abigail Holloway to PA news agency.

Not only did his career see him rub shoulders with music legends such as Engelbert Humperdinck, Sir Tom Jones, and Judy Garland, but he was also a pivotal figure for shows like Parkinson. Holloway's talents were further recognised when he became an MBE in 2013.

During his investiture, he reminisced about performing for the late Queen and Princess Margaret at Buckingham Palace, and crafting nursery rhymes for the Queen Mother's 90th birthday. "I don't think she remembered, but I reminded her," he recalled.

His legacy extends to composing theme tunes for iconic TV shows(Image: Copyright remains with handout provider)

His legacy extends to composing theme tunes for iconic TV shows like Blind Date and Beadle's About.

Holloway also bid farewell to his wife, famed American jazz singer Marion Montgomery, known for her 60s and 70s fame and residencies on Michael Parkinson's programmes, who died in 2002.

Serving as the musical director for Strictly's first three seasons from 2004, Holloway's contributions to the dancing world remain unforgettable, reports the Mirror.

In 1993, he was honoured with a gold badge from the Ivors Academy, then known as the British Academy of Songwriters Composers and Authors (BASCA). Holloway also played a key role in the recording of Petula Clark's iconic 1960s hit, Downtown.

Laurence Holloway with his granddaughter Abigail Holloway(Image: Copyright remains with handout provider)

He leaves behind his daughters, Karon and Abigail, and three grandsons Freddie, Henry and Alfie.

His wife, singer Marion Montgomery, passed away in 2002.

The couple resided in Bray, Berkshire, until her death. Throughout his illustrious career, Holloway produced 15 albums, including the record, Strictly Come Dancing – Bruce Forsyth and the Laurie Holloway Orchestra 2004 for Sony Records.

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