Sky’s Got To Dance star dies aged 45 as group confirms sad news and fellow dancers pay tribute

Sky’s Got To Dance star Leon Heywood has died aged 45 after his dance troupe announced the sad news of his death on Wednesday.

Leon was part of the Trinity Warriors Dance Academy who reached the semi-finals of the show in 2011.

During the dancer’s time on the show, Diversity judges Davina McCall, Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Banjo were big fans of his choreography, describing the group’s performances as “the best seen in a live round to date ‘.

They confirmed the news of his death on Facebook on Wednesday, writing: ‘It is with great regret that we would like to inform you of the death of Leon Heywood, one of the founders of the academy.

‘Leon was such an incredible person and he was an inspiration to all 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 greatest support.

“To many of you, he was not just a dance teacher, he was a mentor, a friend, a role model. Some of you looked at him as a father figure or a big brother and he loved you all.”

Leon was part of the Trinity Warriors Dance Academy and reached the semi-finals of the show in 2011

Discussing his impact on those who knew him, they continued, “Leon helped pave the way for so many of us and not only shaped us into the dancers we are today, but also helped shape us all into the people who we are today.

“His students did incredible things and even though your path did not go further in dance, he was proud of all of us and what we all accomplished.”

Although his cause of death is unknown, they added: ‘The news of his passing has been a great shock to all of us, but Leon was a man of God and faith and he is now at peace in heaven and would like us all to would do. remember all the wonderful memories we are all so privileged to share together.

“That said, the Trinity Warriors and Academy are proud not only of the incredible talent of our dancers, but most of all the value of being part of a crew and a dance family.

‘…and that’s exactly what we are, one big Trinity family, so feel free to share photos, videos or just words in the comments section below so we can all look back and share all our special moments.

‘Please give Leon’s family and loved ones time to grieve during this difficult time. All your messages and kind words are read and appreciated and loved during this difficult time.

“Leon’s life will be celebrated and through all of us his legacy will live on forever… Rest in eternal peace Leon, aka ‘Boogie’ T is gone forever.”

Leon leaves behind two children and his wife to whom he has been married for less than 13 years.

They confirmed the news of his death on Facebook on Wednesday, writing: ‘It is with great regret that we would like to inform you of the death of Leon Heywood, one of the founders of the academy

Although his cause of death is unknown, they added: “The news of his passing has been a great shock to us all, but Leon was a man of God and faith and he is now at peace in heaven.”

Leon leaves behind two children and his wife to whom he has just been married for 13 years (photo in March 2022)

Tributes poured in on Facebook as his family and friends shared their grief

According to his Instagram bio, in addition to dancing, he was also a qualified personal trainer and level three fitness coach at Groove Theory Fitness.

Tributes poured in on Facebook as his family and friends shared their grief.

They wrote: ‘Absolutely gutted, Leon was such a great guy. He was so patient, kind and funny… and will be greatly missed. My thoughts go out to all of you at Trinity, and Leon’s family and friends xxx’;

“Some of my fondest memories of breaking are with the trinity fate. Leon was always real. RIP boogie’;

“From a fellow past Warrior, I miss you bro. You did so much for me and everyone you interacted with’;

‘I am deeply saddened by Leon’s passing. He was an exceptional teacher, always patient and had the kindest soul. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”