Strictly Come Dancing star Tyler West has revealed he is doing the show for his mother. Not only to make her proud but also so she can meet her crush Graziano Di Prima.
The DJ says meeting the professional dancer, who is partnered with Kym Marsh this year, is a "dream come true" for NHS nurse Debbie.
He adds: "It was, 'Who's Tyler?' after that point. My whole Strictly experience is pretty much a dedication to my mum because there were times when we were younger where we didn’t have it easy."
Tyler, 26, who lives with his mother, 56, rose to fame as a presenter on CBBC and then MTV News before securing his role as a DJ on Kiss Radio in 2019.
With his snakelike hips, he is fast becoming a heartthrob for female fans.
But his life was not always sequins and sparkle. Tyler was brought up by his mother on a "pretty racist" council estate in Croydon, South London, after his father walked out when he and his brother Lewis, 31, were kids.
He says: "So for me to be out there on a Saturday night and having my mum come and watch the show and seeing her face light up and being able to support her in every way possible, it's everything I could have ever asked for."
Tyler saw his mother working hard throughout the pandemic: "It was a pretty tough time for her," he says. "She was coming home after seeing all of these cases of Covid.
"My mum would tell me how hard it was on the front line. It was a massive eye-opener but she's a hero for what she's done."
The family recently had a fright when Debbie was rushed to hospital.
It turned out she had an infection, from which she has recovered, but at the time Tyler was lost.
He says: "When you're running a million miles an hour, it's that reminder to take a moment, give a phone call to that loved one.
"There was a moment when I was in the ambulance with the blue lights going. They were trying to help my mum and I felt helpless. Thankfully, she’s back in good health."
Tyler is single and hints Strictly may help him find love, but he denies claims of a romance with fellow contestant
and singer Molly Rainford, 21.
He says: "We were just mates standing outside getting cabs. And then rumours started circulating. It’s always gonna happen if you're single on this show.
"I've just been so focused on myself and I'll tell you what, it's been the best thing for me in my life this year."
Tyler reckons representing Team GB at handball as a child gave him discipline but does his sporting prowess provide an advantage on the dance floor?
He says: "Even though I can go to the gym and lift heavy weights and run pretty fast and stuff, being light on your toes in the ballroom is completely different. I've lost about 7kg."
Tyler, who completed the London Marathon during this series, has also put the spotlight on his unique hobby – collecting torches.
He says: "I was fascinated with them when I was younger. I've got a
briefcase under my bed which is full."
Last month Strictly host Claudia Winkleman gave him a large torch for his collection but his hobby has also helped him to bond with the boyfriend of his pro dance partner Dianne Buswell.
Tyler said he has become best pals with Joe Sugg who collects fossils.
"He also tells me the inside of how to operate with Dianne," he says.
Australian Dianne met YouTuber Joe on Strictly in 2018 when they were dance partners and have been together ever since.
Joe also helps Tyler and Dianne with their routines. She says: "I send him the dance on a daily basis. He's like my fourth judge."
Do you enjoy reading about celebrities? Sign up for all the best celeb news from the Mirror here .
Dianne also said Joe still loves ballroom and they dance in the kitchen.
This week she and Tyler have been preparing for tomorrow's dance to Seal's song I've Been Loving You Too Long.
Last week the duo dressed as the Teletubbies in training after it was revealed Tyler was a fan of Dipsy growing up. He says: "My mum could never afford the TV-quality costume but I did have some form of a green helmet on and a green fleece."
Tyler adds Strictly has taught him about what is important in life due to the busy schedule. "It's about choosing to be around loved ones and making the most of those times," he says.
"And just giving your all into everything because it pays off in the end." Perhaps the Glitterball Trophy is in sight...
Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow (November 5) on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm. The results show will be broadcast the following evening from 7.15pm.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
