Hamza Yassin has been announced as the thirteenth contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2022, following his successful career as a wildlife cameraman and TV presenter.
The Sudanese-born Scottish photographer is best known for his work on the likes of Countryfile and Animal Park. He is currently making his way back from an expedition abroad before competing in the BBC dance show.
Kids will know him as Ranger Hamza from CBeebies' live-action show Let's Go For A Walk. He will be appearing in a new children's series, Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest, later this month.
Hamza moved to the Scottish Highlands when he was younger to follow his dream of filming Scottish wildlife and becoming a wildlife cameraman.
He has lived there ever since and recently fronted Channel 4 documentary Scotland: My Life in the Wild as well as Scotland: Escape to the Wilderness, in which he guided celebrities through the Scottish Highlands.
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi took part in Scotland: Escape to the Wilderness and broke down in tears during her expedition with Hamza in the Cairngorms National Park.
The House of Lords member was taken on a "digital detox" and confessed she sometimes struggled to find time away from her busy schedule. During the show, Sayeeda became upset and pulled out a tissue to wipe away her tears.
In an interview with Express.co.uk, Hamza said: "I realised that she hasn’t had this opportunity throughout her life.
"And this is an MP, someone who goes into the House of Lords, someone who dictates what happens in our country, and she hasn’t had the time to enjoy nature."
He added: "In reality, I should be going in every week and taking someone from the House of Lords and saying, ‘right you’re next, come on let’s go’."
The cameraman recently received an Honorary Master of Science degree from Bangor University. He originally graduated from the university with an undergrad in Zoology with Conservation.
Speaking about his upcoming appearance on Strictly, Hamza said: "Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.
"I’ve been watching it for years and I can’t believe I’ll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public."
He added: "My dance skills are currently at the level of ‘1970’s disco vibe’ but I’m ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it ‘til you make it!"
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