Hamza Yassin has admitted he is battling with some nerves ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour starting this weekend.
It's still been just a month since CBBC favourite and wildlife enthusiast Hamza took home the Glitterball trophy in the Strictly final, alongside pro partner Jowita Przystal, but now it's very nearly time for the triumphant couple to take to the floor again, this time at arenas across the country, as fans of the BBC show flock to its annual tour.
The Strictly live tour kicks off in Birmingham on January 20, and, ahead of curtain up the celebs and professional dancers taking part have been busy rehearsing at the city's Utilita Arena. This has meant a ballroom reunion for Hamza and Jowita after their big win, a feat Hamza never imagined would happen.
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And, as he gets set to perform in front of audiences much bigger than the one in the Strictly studio, he is happy to confess there are some nerves, saying: "’ve still not fully comprehended what actually happened. I never thought I’d make it past week two, let alone getting to appear in huge arenas. I’m nervous and excited, but more on the excited side."
Opening up on the prospect of playing to packed arenas every night for the next three weeks, Hamza added: “I’ve never done anything like this before. It’s completely different to my usual working life. My day job normally sees me nice and quiet, sat somewhere, waiting for animals to turn up and reading their behaviour. Dancing has become a new passion, a new favourite thing for me to do, and I can’t wait to get back on the dance floor.”
During TV interviews to promote the Strictly tour last week, Jowita opened up on Hamza's behind the scenes battle with self doubt during their run on Strictly, explaining: "He is so not confident about himself. He still thinks he can't dance even though he won the show! So to have him in the final with me was like 'maybe now he will believe it' you know?"
Turning to Hamza, she added: "For me, when we lifted the Glitterball it was the best feeling ever, because if I can give you that little boost of confidence."
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