BBC Strictly Come Dancing star holds back tears live on show over mum's health battle

Shayne Ward heartbreakingly opened up about his mum's health during today.

The singer and actor performed an American Smooth to Get Here by Sam Smith this evening, the same week that Shayne celebrated his 40th birthday. He was joined in rehearsals this week by his mum, who made a special trip to see him.

After their performance, Shayne and professional partner Nancy Xu headed upstairs to talk to Claudia Winkleman about their routine, where the host mentioned that Shayne's mum had come to visit him in the week.

He got emotional as he dedicated his performance to his mum and thanked her for her unwavering support, despite her own ill health. Speaking on the show today, he said: "My mum is my absolute but unfortunately she's not been able to come to the live shows because she's not been in the best of health for many years but I know she's at home watching. So mum, I dedicate this song to you because I know you always try and get there. I love you."

Shayne has been open about his mum's health in the past, and back in 2015, he revealed his mum was recovering after suffering a second stroke in just six weeks. He said at the time: "Mum is back at home now trying to get her strength back. More than anything she just wanted to get home from hospital. I went to see her just before I flew to Spain this week and she’s alright at the minute. She is relaxing as much as possible and just trying to get the strength back in her legs."

When Shayne was on , where he played Aidan Connor, the actor revealed how his mum had been super supportive of him, and was even the one encouraging him to learn his lines.

"Even though my mum’s gone through what she’s gone through and even though we’re rallying around as a family and want to know she’s OK - she just keeps telling us she wants us to focus on our work and be happy.

"She’s even making sure that I’ve gone through my lines. She hasn’t been on set yet but I know she’d love that as she’s such a big fan of the show so I’m bringing her in with me when she’s better," he told the Sunday at the time.

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One