‘Bit of Enid Blyton philosophy’: Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ host Ian von Memerty fires back at assisted-dying critics [VIDEO]

Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing SA’ host Ian von Memerty has responded to criticism over his assisted-dying views in s viral reaction video. Pictures: Facebook and Gallo Images FormerStrictly Come Dancing South Africapresenter Ian von Memerty has issued a raw and defiant response to critics of his views on assisted dying, clapping back at online backlash in a deeply personal Facebook reaction video. Von Memerty, who has recently spoken openly about his plans and beliefs around assisted dying, said the latest episode in his weeklyYouTubeandFacebookseries,Dying for a Better Life,was the most painful yet – not because of the topic itself, but because it involved “the people I love”.

While he expressed gratitude for the kindness he received, he said the vulnerability also “brought out the worst of the internet”. For decades, Ian von Memerty has been a warm and entertaining presence on South African television, best known as a presenter and judge onStrictly Come Dancing. The multi-talented performer also judged the first four seasons ofSA’s Got Talent,has been at the helm of dozens of live shows and worked behind the scenes as a writer and director.

His latest chapter, however, sees him stepping into far more serious territory – using his public profile to question how society defines compassion at the end of life. Von Memerty has previously revealed that his position on assisted dying stems from painful first-hand experiences. In an interview withYou Magazine, he recalled witnessing his parents’ “painfully slow” deaths – a process he says stripped them of dignity and left lasting emotional scars.

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According to Von Memerty, those moments cemented his resolve to avoid a similar fate and to advocate for personal autonomy at the end of life. “I watched people I loved suffer unnecessarily,” he explained, adding that it fundamentally changed how he views death, choice and compassion. The former entertainer’s decision to speak openly has been praised by some for its honesty, while others have criticised it as controversial.

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