Laurence Holloway, a former musical director on Strictly Come Dancing and talk show Parkinson, has sadly passed away at the age of 86, his family have confirmed. The renowned English composer, who began his career as a pianist in dance bands, succumbed to a “short illness” on Thursday, his daughter Abigail Holloway revealed to the PA news agency.
Holloway served as musical director on Sir Michael Parkinson’s chat show. He also held the position of musical director for the first three seasons of Strictly Come Dancing, which kicked off in 2004.
The late star is also recognised for creating TV theme tunes, including those for Cilla Black’s game show Blind Date, the game show Game For A Laugh and hidden camera programme Beadle’s About. In 2013, Holloway was honoured with an MBE for his contributions to music.
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During his investiture ceremony, he shared a fond memory with the late Queen of the time he played piano for her and Princess Margaret at Buckingham Palace, and recorded nursery rhymes for the Queen Mother’s 90th birthday.
“I don’t think she remembered, but I reminded her,” he reminisced. Throughout his illustrious career, the jazz musician collaborated with an array of stars including Engelbert Humperdinck, Sir Tom Jones, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mel Torme, Bob Monkhouse, Barry Humphries and Ronnie Corbett, as well as his late wife Marion Montgomery.
Laurence Holloway with his daughter, Abigail
(Image: Family/PA)
Holloway was awarded a gold badge from the Ivors Academy in 1993, back when it was known as the British Academy of Songwriters Composers and Authors (BASCA). The composer also had a hand in the recording of Petula Clark’s 1960s hit Downtown.
Holloway leaves behind his daughters, Karon and Abigail, and three grandsons Freddie, Henry and Alfie.