Strictly's Eddie Kadi says show feels like a ‘dream’ after overcoming barriers

23 September 2023 , 18:00

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Strictly's Eddie Kadi says show feels like a ‘dream’ after overcoming barriers

Strictly Come Danicng star Eddie Kadi has described joining this year's line-up as a 'dream' as he emotionally recalls his life struggles after arriving in the UK.

The 40-year old star, who has been in the comedy circuit for many years, first arrived in the UK 31 years ago and, by his own admission, life was far from easy. Along with not speaking a word of English on his arrival from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eddie has been candid about his struggles to immerse himself into the British way of life. But fast forward three decades and the star says he finds it surreal to be starring alongside celebrities that he grew up watching, including fellow comedian Les Dennis.

Strictly's Eddie describes the show as a dream

Speaking ahead of the live shows this weekend, Eddie said: "For me to be a part of this thing, this amazing institution – it’s a dream. People have to understand that I’ve been on a very long journey. I’m a boy from Congo, came to this country, couldn’t speak a word of English and acquired it over the years. And some of the people that I’ve grown up watching on TV, I’m now in the show with – like Les Dennis."

He added: "It’s such a special moment for me, and just to get to this stage after everything is a different story for me so I’ve already won. So the only competition for me has just been being able to get through certain barriers." Eddie has been suitably partnered with professional dancer Karen Hauer, who joined Strictly in 2012. And since her arrival, she has landed in the final twice but is yet to hold up the Glitterball trophy.

But Eddie insists that winning the coveted Glitterball is not his main drive as he feels as though the experience in itself is enough for him. He continued: "I’m here with my trophy so there’s no competition, it’s all fun, it’s all amazing, it’s just been decorated with the world of dance, which I’m incredibly honoured (by) because you know what? Dance lessons are very expensive and I’m getting them for free… it’s like January Boxing Day sales."

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Eddie, who is a familiar voice on BBC 1Xtra joins this year's line-up including former Family Fortunes presenter Les Dennis, veteran broadcaster Angela Rippon, former Love Island star Zara McDermott and Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy. And luckily for Eddie he is pleased as punch with being partnered with Karen, 41, as he feels as though it was "meant to be", as they laugh constantly, which distracts them from rehearsals.

He went on to say: "I actually think ‘When are we going to get some dancing in’ and somehow, along the lines, we get the dancing in but from the moment I found out I was just like ‘this is amazing.' Karen is just full of life but she also has that bit where there’s equilibrium, there’s a nice balance and she’s Latino, she knows how to get me in shape.”

Despite not having a background in dance, Eddie has said that he is looking forward to dancing the Salsa and the Congalese Rumba, which he described as "very sensual and very slow." And Karen was quick to add that she finds Eddie "very special."

She said: "I love how much everyone loves being around Eddie and that to me is everything. How everybody is attracted to him, to his energy and everybody has something nice to say about him and that makes me feel really good because I know that I have someone very special."

Luckily for Karen, Eddie has natural rhythm but she is keen to show off his more serious side when it comes to performing ballroom. She added: "Literally I feel like I’m going to get a Ferrari, I’m going to build a Ferrari, I’ve got all the good parts and now I’m just seeing how everything’s going to blend in together."

Strictly Come Dancing will return on Saturday September 23 on BBC and BBC iPlayer.

Lucretia Munro