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Strictly Come Dancing Star Passes Away at 86 After Brief Illness

January, 11, 2025-12:14

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Strictly Come Dancing Star Passes Away at 86 After Brief Illness

The family of musical director Laurence Holloway shared the heartbreaking news following his successful career in the television industry. Laurence, who also contributed to the immensely popular Michael Parkinson chat show, began his professional journey as a pianist in dance bands. His daughter, Abigail Holloway, released a statement on Thursday confirming his death.

Throughout his distinguished career, Laurence collaborated with numerous legendary artists, including Engelbert Humperdinck, Sir Tom Jones, Judy Garland, and Liza Minnelli. He also worked alongside Sammy Davis Jr., Gilbert O'Sullivan, Mel Torme, Bob Monkhouse, Barry Humphries, and Ronnie Corbett, as well as his late wife, Marion Montgomery.

Marion, an American jazz singer, gained fame in the 1960s as a resident performer on Parkinson's show. She lived in England for over 30 years before her passing at the age of 67 in Bray, Berkshire, in 2002. Laurence served as the musical director for the first three series of Strictly Come Dancing starting in 2004. In 2013, he was honored with an MBE for his contributions to music.

During his investiture ceremony, he recounted to the late Queen how he had played the piano for her and Princess Margaret at Buckingham Palace, as well as recording nursery rhymes for the Queen Mother's 90th birthday. "I don't think she remembered, but I reminded her," he remarked.

Holloway is also recognized for composing theme tunes for various television shows, including Cilla Black's Blind Date, the game show Game for a Laugh, and the hidden camera series Beadle's About.

In 1993, he was awarded a gold badge by the Ivors Academy, which was then recognized as the British Academy of Songwriters Composers and Authors (BASCA). Additionally, the composer played a role in the recording of Petula Clark's iconic 1960s song, "Downtown." He is survived by his daughters, Karon and Abigail, as well as three grandsons: Freddie, Henry, and Alfie.