Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly has said that she is "devastated" after she accidentally ran over and killed her family's pet dog.
Tess was returning home when her Maltese Shih Tzu Minnie got out of the house through a door left open by builders.
She was unaware that the dog was outside and didn't have enough time to react as the pet ran in front of her car's wheels.
"I'm devastated by this terrible accident," she told The Sun. "It's a dog owner's worst nightmare.
"It has had a huge effect on the whole family and we are heartbroken at losing Minnie.
"This has, and continues to be, a very emotional time for us all."
The heartbreaking accident happened last month just before Tess and her husband Vernon Kay were due to travel to the Maldives with their two daughters. The family planned to fly over there to celebrate Tess' upcoming 50th birthday party.
The family considered postponing their holiday but later decided it would cheer them up after the tragic accident.
Tess has been hosting Strictly since 2004 – first alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth, and now Claudia Winkleman.
Tess and Claudia recently opened up on if we're ever likely to see them compete in the ballroom.
For Claudia it was a definite no, saying: "You've never seen me dance. I'm terrible."
Tess added: "The last time I danced professionally I was in my teens and I did all the IDTA (International Dance Teachers' Association) stuff.
"I got medals. I'm hardly a pro but I did the waltz, the jive, jazz and disco."
