Strictly’s Bill Bailey says an emotional goodbye as his rescue dog Banjar dies

STRICTLY’S Bill Bailey has said an emotional goodbye to his beloved dog Banjar.

The comedian, 55, announced the death of his pooch on Twitter tonight with a picture of the canine at his home.

He wrote: “Today we said goodbye to our lovely rescue dog Banjar. Farewell old friend. Sleep well.”

Many of Bill’s 3.3million followers rallied around him and sent their condolences.

One wrote: “so sorry to hear about Banjar. It’s so sad to lose a faithful friend.”

Another posted: “Sorry for your loss Bill.”

A third shared: “I know the heartache you’re feeling. Sending virtual hugs to you..”

Just weeks ago, Bill wrote in The Sun how dogs help to make a life of happiness.

Speaking about his new pup, Tiger, he said: “I’ve never been out with my dog Tiger yet and not had a chat with some other dog owner.

“All this has positive knock-on effects that can counteract loneliness and even boost your self-esteem.

“Many studies will tell you this, and that’s all marvellous, but what they don’t mention is you’ll have dog hair on your clothes and poo-bags in the pocket of every coat you own.”

He then went on to say just why dogs mean so much to him.

“The thing I love about dogs is you get so much back from them — if you put the hours in, they repay you threefold,” he wrote.

“I know people who have been avowed non-dog people, then some scrawny mutt somehow wins them over. We can’t help ourselves because they’ve wormed their way into our affection for thousands of years.

“There’s something about their steadfast adoration that gives us joy.”

Bill will return to the Strictly dance floor on Saturday night with his partner Oti Mabuse.