Strictly Come Dancing star Eddie Kadi has explained how his Congolese heritage will give him an edge on the show.
The comedian will take part in the upcoming 21st series of the BBC show, which premieres next weekend (September 16).
Kadi will have to beat 14 other celebrities to get his hands on the Glitterball trophy, but the star believes his heritage provides him with an advantage over his rivals.
Related: Strictly's It Takes Two confirms return date as show launch edges closer
“Being Congolese, we like moving our hips for no reason,” he told Digital Spy and other media. “But I don’t feel the pressure because it’s fun. It’s just a natural part of me, I’ve always loved dancing. So for me, when everyone’s talking about snakey hips, bring it on.
“It’s good for the warm-up as well. It’s been a lot of fun, and we’re surrounded by absolute professionals so they recognise your strengths, your weaknesses and marry them together in such a beautiful way.
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“It’s so poetic and it boosts your confidence straight away. The truth is, if I don’t move my hips, the Congolese community aren't going to be happy. They’ll go ‘you need to move your hips at least once,’” he added.
Related: Strictly's Motsi Mabuse opens up on relationship with sister Oti
Kadi was the fifth celebrity to be announced on the roster for the upcoming series, with the comedian teasing that his appearance would bring good vibes.
“Wow. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am,” he said. “I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns for its launch special on September 16 on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
Previously Deputy TV Editor at Digital Spy and, before that, a TV Reporter at The Mirror, Rebecca can now be found crafting expert analysis of the TV landscape, when she's not talking on the BBC or Times Radio about everything from the latest season of Bridgerton or The White Lotus to whatever chaos is unfolding in the various Love Island villas. When she's not bingeing a boxset, in-the-wild sightings of Rebecca have included stints on the National TV Awards and BAFTAs red carpets, and post-match video explainers of the reality TV we're all watching.
