Heartbreak has left fans stunned after a familiar face from Strictly Come Dancing shared the loss of a loved one… but chose not to reveal who
Strictly star reveals death of beloved father in heartbreaking tribute
“Thank you for being my Daddy.”
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Chizzy Akudolu has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her father, Raphael Nwose Akudolu, who has died.
Chizzy, known for portraying heart surgeon Mo Effanga in Holby City from 2012 to 2017, shared the sad news on social media yesterday.
Sharing a carousel of images of her late father on Instagram, Chizzy confirmed that he sadly died after a two-week hospital stay.
She captioned the post: “On July 27th, 2026, after 2 weeks in hospital, my wonderful Father passed. I am heartbroken but grateful that his pain is now over.
“He was honestly the most unintentionally funny man and no one had a bad word to say about him.”
She continued: “Losing a parent means losing a part of yourself but his awesomeness lives on in all his children and grandchildren. To the staff at the Margaret Centre at Whipps Cross Hospital, thank you for looking after him.
“Raphael Nwose Akudolu, I love you. Thank you for being my Daddy.”
Taking to the comment section, fans and Chizzy’s fellow celebrities shared their condolences, with Holby City‘s David Ames writing: “I’m so so sorry for your loss darling.”
“Oh Chiz, I’m so sorry my love. Sending the biggest hugs to you,” wrote former Corrie and Emmerdale star Hayley Tamaddon.
“Oh Chiz, sending you love darling. So sorry,” said actor Tamzin Outhwaite.
EastEnders star Davood Ghadami wrote: “So very sorry Chizzy. My love and sympathies to you and your family. Share the memories.”
Singer Beverley Knight also sent her condolences, writing: “Oh my luv. I am so sorry and send you my heartfelt condolences. Here for you.”
Back in 2017, Chizzy took part in series 15 of Strictly. She was the first celebrity eliminated after losing the dance-off to Brian Conley and Amy Dowden.
