Savage dedicates Strictly performance to tragic Speed

Robbie Savage has dedicated his performance on Strictly Come Dancing this weekend to his tragic pal Gary Speed.

The former Wales international, still in shock over his friend’s apparent suicide last Sunday, is determined to do a polished routine that would “make Speedo proud”.

Savage, 36, made his vow via Twitter on Thursday.

He tweeted: “So hard to concentrate on dancing this week. Head’s all over the place. Going to be so emotional, the last place I seen Speedo was in studio. I’m going to make him proud of his mate.”

Savage also posted a picture of the last time he saw Speed – in the front row at Strictly on October 22.

Speed, 42, and his wife Louise, 41, were seen beaming as they watched Savage and dance partner Ola Jordan strut their stuff.

Afterwards, they gave them a standing ovation.

Seconds later, Savage walked over to his mate and gave Speed a high-five.

And as the panel praised his efforts, the Speeds were seen smiling and applauding.

Sadly, it was to be the final image of the couple together in public.

Mirror columnist Savage, who is in the final six in the BBC1 show, also tweeted about Speed: “He loved Strictly. My performance is for him, still stunned!”

He then posted a photo, saying: “This was just 4 weeks ago –great picture me and Speedo doing a hi 5 !!”

Earlier this week, Savage recalled: “After I’d completed my routine I high-fived him. I can see him sitting there now, a big smile on his face, so happy and so proud of his mate. That’s how I’ll always think of him. In high spirits with a broad smile, taking pleasure in his life and his friends...

“It makes what has happened so much more shocking. There was never a hint of this, never. ”

Savage added: “Since I’ve been doing Strictly he’s phoned me every Saturday morning to wish me good luck and have a laugh.

“We were joking around like usual, talking about football and dancing.

“One of the last things he said to me was, ‘Don’t get a two off Craig’.”

Football will continue to pay its respects to the late Wales manager over the weekend.

Speed's former clubs Leeds, Newcastle, Everton and Sheffield United will all celebrate the former midfielder’s life before their home games.

Leeds are also to name a new suite in the East Stand at their Elland Road ground after Speed, while at Newcastle the crowd will sing the Welsh hymn, Bread of Heaven.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said: “Our players will be desperate for us to win to pay a tribute in that way.”

Cheshire police are continuing to compile a report to present to the coroner conducting the inquest into Speed’s death.

He was found hanging in the garage of his home by his wife last Sunday.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances.

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