EastEnders' Bobby Brazier warned over 'distractions' ahead of Strictly debut

31 August 2023 , 20:43

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EastEnders Bobby Brazier warned over 'distractions' ahead of Strictly Come Dancing debut (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Riot Labs)

EastEnders star Bobby Brazier has been given a strict warning ahead of stepping out on the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor.

The actor, who is the son of late reality star Jade Goody and TV presenter Jeff Brazier, is already considered to be the bookies favourite to win the dance competition. Yet if he's to win the Glitterball trophy, he has been warned by friends and family not to get distracted by women.

Whilst the couples and their Strictly partners have yet to be announced, it's thought that Bobby will be partnered with Nadia Bychkova as she is 5ft8 and will be the best match for Bobby's 6ft2 frame.

Bobby Brazier, who joined EastEnders at the end of last year, has been warned not to get distracted by women in Strictly (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

A source close to Bobby said to The Sun: “He is a very determined young man with a naturally competitive spirit — both qualities which he’ll need to progress on Strictly. But he has to remain focused because, as Strictly has proved in the past, it’s very easy for competitors to have their heads turned. His nearest and dearest just don’t want to see him unintentionally waste the chance of a lifetime by temptations on the show."

The actor joined EastEnders last year and has been a hit with viewers in his role as Little Mo’s son Freddie Slater. Since arriving at Albert Square he has been a key player in gripping storylines including an ADHD diagnosis and finding out the true identity of his dad.

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Bobby will join a host of famous faces as part of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing including Bad Education actor Layton Williams, actor Les Dennis, tennis player Annabel Croft, former EastEnders star Nigel Harman, World and Paralympic Champion Jody Cundy, Coronation Street star Ellie Leach, BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast show presenter Nikita Kanda, former Emmerdale star Adam Thomas, Love Island star Zara McDermott, Irish TV presenter Angela Scanlon, British-Congolese comedian Eddie Kadi and Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy. Angela Rippon, who will be 79 when she takes to the dance floor later this year, was also revealed on The One Show alongside Sherlock star Amanda Abbington.

The 20-year-old is already the bookies favourite to win the series (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Since he was announced as one of the Strictly cast for this year, Bobby has also been supported by his TV presenter dad Jeff Brazier. Proud dad Jeff claims his son Bobby's 'beautiful nature' will bowl Strictly fans over even if he admits he's not actually seen him do much dancing.

Jeff says the actor's late mother Jade would be proud beyond belief of her son over the past few years and knows why he is getting better and better on the show with every week. The Big Brother star died in 2009 after battling cervical cancer when Bobby was five and his brother Freddie, 18, was just four.

In an exclusive interview, Jeff told the Mirror: "I'm really proud of Bobby and the attitude he has had since he's been on EastEnders. He's wanted to absorb as much from all the incredibly experienced actors around him. He's made a really good start to his career, and I can see he's proud of himself, too. I can see every time I switch it on that he's got better. Every time I watch it I can see he's better in the terms of the layers. I'm no acting expert, I can't say how good he is, but I'm really proud of my son. He's had an opportunity and he's taken it."

He continued: "I remember being told you live vicariously through your kids, I guess most parents do. When they start to achieve from a career point of view, it's special. He's made a mark and now he gets to have another very different experience."

Niamh Spence