Strictly Come Dancing star Hamza Yassin says he's not afraid to show his emotions on TV as he prepares for the semi-finals.
The wildlife expert, who had to undergo sports therapy ahead of the BBC competition this weekend, says it's important for men to be vulnerable on TV. The 32-year-old, who is performing the Charleston with professional dance partner Jowita Prsyta l, admits to being 'a bit more emotional than others'.
“It’s important for people to see men being vulnerable on TV,” says Hamza, in a candid chat to The Mirror. “The person you see on the telly is the person I am in everyday life. I’m just a bit more emotional than others. And I don’t worry about holding back.
“I’m not emotional because I’m upset though, I’m emotional because I’m proud.”
The CBBC star, who lives in Scotland, has become a fan favourite on the ballroom dancing show and has won the hearts of viewers. Hamza, 32, is even tipped to bring home the Glitterball Trophy at the end of the series.
As well as being open with his emotions on screen, he also wants to tackle the public perception of dyslexia. “I would like everyone to know this dyslexia is a gift,” Hamza added in the interview. “It is not a taboo subject. It’s not something that we should be shy about.
“It’s just about how your brain works. My dyslexia allows me to see the world in a different way. It’s given me the ability to listen, I can tell birds from small differences in their calls.
“I’ve got a photographic memory. I remember the first thing you were wearing when I met you. And when we start a new routine Jowitza does the dance by herself in front of me. And then I can imagine, in 3D, what I need to do.
“I also remember like, nuances of little things, and I think this is why it’s helping me with the dancing.”
He added: “Most people work through a problem, by thinking from A to B. But we’re not thinking black and white. We’re thinking grey, green, purple, blue, orange and red! So we need to normalise people having dyslexia and advocate for dyslexic people - to prove to them you can achieve anything in life that you want.”
The semi-final will be taking place on Sunday December 11 at 7.15pm, with the Strictly results show following on Monday December 12 at 8.15pm.
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