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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Daniel Bird

Strictly's Tyler West reveals he'd turn down Idris Elba interview for one reason

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Tyler West wouldn't interview Idris Elba again if he was offered the chance – because of his mum.

The Kiss FM radio DK interviewed the Fast & Furious actor back in August 2022 but says his mum started pestering him after she found out the heartthrob would be in her son's studio.

But it appears the over-enthusiasm from Tyler's mum has put him off ever considering chatting to the Luther star, at least publicly.

Speaking to The Mirror, Tyler, 26, went on to open up about his journey on Strictly and admitted he had several "nervous wees" before the results show.

He said: "I've interviewed my boy, the legend Idris Elba, and the reason I probably wouldn't again, is because my mum wouldn't stop pestering me from the moment I told her it was happening so I learnt a lesson there.

Tyler West has revealed the reason why he wouldn't work with Idris Elba again (Getty Images For Bauer Media)
Tyler interviewed Idris in August 2022 for his Kiss FM radio show (Variety via Getty Images)

"That if the opportunity does come back up, I'll keep it on the down low."

Reflecting on his appearance on the BBC One dancing competition, he added: "It was a dream come true, I thought it was a prank when I first got the call and my agent said to me 'Strictly would love to meet with you'.

"I genuinely thought it was a production company with some ideas to discuss as it never occurred to me that I would get the call-up for such a huge show!

"I instantly started trying to do some salsa dance moves in my lounge when I got off the phone, and the nerves kicked in instantly as it was impossible to know what to expect."

Tyler appeared on Strictly with Dianne Buswell but was left stunned when he received the call (Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)

But the nerves appeared to prove too much for Tyler who resorted to telling himself "you're not a professional dancer, you done good, be proud" each week.

While the schedule of the show may have been intense, the DJ says that being on the show was "the biggest blessing" as he delighted many people – as well as learned a lot about himself.

"For me to be on that dancefloor and see how happy it made my mum each week meant the world," he added.

Tyler has teamed up with the KFC Foundation and Comic Relief while sharing his own mental health struggles (SWNS)

Despite Tyler appearing happy in public and on social media, he bravely opened up about his own struggles with mental health and the stigma and shame around men speaking out.

"Growing up I struggled with it, through experiences I had where I grew up and because of things I witnessed and the pressures I felt.

"But I have no doubt that the journey I went on to get to a point of asking for help, has pushed me to become the man I am today. Now I'm proud to be in a position to be shining a light on the importance of 'talking' because it's something I believe helped me from going down the wrong path, if you'd have said to me as a shy young kid I’d be doing any of what I do today I would've laughed and never believed it."

On the campaign, he added: "I think this campaign normalises to people just how you can reach out, share how you're feeling and get help."

Tyler West has joined forces with the KFC Foundation and Comic Relief to celebrate the £3million raised for youth-focused organisations since 2019, and shine a light on the support available for young people going through hardships. To mark Red Nose Day this year, the KFC Foundation is offering customers the chance to buy a KFC bucket hat with at least £7 going towards youth-focused charities, as well as upping their Comic Relief donation on Sharing Buckets from 5p to £1 to celebrate the week of Red Nose Day, 13th-17th March.

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