Rickie Haywood-Williams almost quit the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing holiday special after just one rehearsal.
The 42-year-old radio DJ was so “terrified” at the prospect of learning a routine in time for the show after seeing his first practice run that he considered quitting the competition before it even started.
Rickie’s professional dance partner, Luba Mushtuk, 33, told BBC Radio 1 that while Rickie would describe herself as “not a good dancer”, she “had a natural rhythm”, but her words of encouragement Rickie could initially not convinced.
Panic: Rickie Haywood-Williams, 42, almost walked out of the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special after just one practice (pictured with professional partner Luba Mushtuk)
She explained: “He was scared at first. Then his confidence grew, but he still wasn’t 100% sure.
“We watched a video from our first rehearsals to what we have achieved now. This is a big step forward.”
Rickie agreed: “Which surprised me because after I saw our first rehearsal I was like, ‘How do I get out of this?! Is it too late to quit?’ but as Luba says, progress has really made a difference.
On the line: The radio DJ was so terrified of the prospect of learning a routine in time for the show that he considered quitting the competition before it started
“She’s a great teacher, very patient and she’s really funny. She makes me laugh because I can tell when she’s frustrated with me, but it just makes me laugh. I understand because it takes me forever to learn very simple steps.’
Luba added, “It’s so funny because the hard steps are okay, but the easy steps, we spend an hour on one step.
“I had the best time rehearsing because we really loved it so much and it was just amazing to meet someone as beautiful as you.”
Words of encouragement: Rickie’s professional dance partner, Luba Mushtuk, 33, says that while Rickie would describe himself as “not a great dancer,” he has “a natural rhythm.”
The couple will join star singer Nicola Roberts, Chris Ramsey’s podcaster wife Rosie Ramsey, actor Larry Lamb, actress Alexandra Mardell and actor George Webster in the one-off special, which will air on Christmas Day.
And Rickie was very honest about his wooden moves when he first started rehearsing.
He said: “I’ve never done salsa before, Luba can testify to that, and when we first did it, when she first showed me the salsa steps, I was like a robot pouring oil needed, and now I know there’s a little more movement!”
Hopeful: Of the four judges – Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse – Rickie hopes to impress Anton the most, having worked together before
Luba said: “The progress from the beginning has been tremendous. I love that he always takes his own notes too because that makes him an amazing student, he’s always eager to learn. So I’m very happy, I couldn’t have a better partner.”
The four main show regular judges – Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse – will be on the judging panel for this year’s Christmas special, and there is one person Rickie is particularly keen to impress.
He said: “As long as Luba is happy, I am happy. But on the jury I want to impress Anton just because I’ve worked with him before on a TV show called House of Games and we kind of teamed up and worked together and I ended up winning the show.”
Born to perform: The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day at 5.10pm
Luba added: “I mean everyone. They’re there to help you get better. Luckily they’re always much nicer at Christmas. Everything. How merry you are. I think it’s Christmas spirit or something.
“So I love doing the Christmas specials because they’re always super fun and super delicious and they let you know our partners are comfortable with that.”
Last year, singer Anne-Marie and professional dancer Graziano Di Prima chose the winners of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2021.
The Strictly 2022 series concluded last week with Hamza Yassin and his partner Jowita Przystal lifting the Glitterball trophy after the public vote.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day at 5.10pm.
STRICT CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2022: WHO ARE THE STARS?
ROSIE RAMSEY
AGE: 35
WORK: Podcast Host
ROSIE SAYS: “After seeing my husband Chris compete a few years ago, I really wanted to hit the dance floor myself.”
ALEXANDRA MARDELL
AGE: 29
WORK: actress
ALEXANDRA SAYS: “I can’t wait to get in the training room and see what festive moves I can put on the table!”
Nicholas Roberts
AGE: 37
WORK: Singer
NICHOLAS SAYS: “They promised me extra glitter, sparkles and icing, all wrapped together with a big bow on top!”
RICKIE HAYWOOD-WILLIAMS
AGE: 42
WORK: radio DJ
RICKY SAYS: “I always said I was too afraid of that. But here I am ready to try, sequins and all
LARRY LAMB
AGE: 75
WORK: actor
LARRY SAYS: “Christmas came early! I can’t wait to hit the dance floor and learn a whole new skill ready for all those festive parties.”
GEORGE WEBSTER
AGE: 22
WORK: CBeebies presenter
GEORGE SAYS: “I love Strictly and watched it every year. I’ve always dreamed of being on the show for a year and I’m so excited to be a part of the Christmas special this year!
Source: Daily Mail
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
