Christmas Exclusive: Ricky Haywood-Williams Almost Quits

Ricky Haywood-Williams almost ended the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special after just one rehearsal.

The 42-year-old radio DJ was left so “terrified” at the prospect of successfully learning a routine in time for the show after watching his first rehearsal that he was considering getting out of the competition before it even started.

BBC Radio 1’s Professional Dance Partner Luba Mashtouk said that while Ricky describes himself as ‘not a good dancer’, he ‘has a natural rhythm’, but her words of encouragement failed to win Ricky over at first. .

She explained, “At first he was terrified. Then his confidence grew but wasn’t 100% sure.

“We watched a video from our first rehearsals to what we’ve accomplished now, it’s huge progress.”

Ricky exclaimed, “Which freaked me out because after I watched our first rehearsal, I was like ‘How can I get out of this?!'” Is it too late to resign? But like Luba says, the progression really made a difference.

The end of the road: Radio DJs were left so “terrified” at the prospect of successfully learning a routine in time for the show that he considered quitting the competition before it even started

She is an amazing teacher, very patient and really funny. It makes me laugh because I can tell when you’re frustrated with me, but it makes me laugh. I understand, because it takes me forever to learn really simple steps.

Luba added, “It’s very funny because the hard steps are good, but the simple ones we’ll spend one hour on one step.

“I had the best time during rehearsals because we really liked it so much and just to meet such a beautiful human being like you, it was amazing.”

Encouraging Words: Ricky’s professional dance partner Luba Mashtouk, 33, says that while Ricky describes himself as “not a very good dancer,” he “has a natural rhythm.”

The duo will perform alongside superstar singer Nicola Roberts, podcaster Chris Ramsey’s wife Rosie Ramsey, actor Larry Lamb, actress Alexandra Mardell and actor George Webster in the one-off special that will air on Christmas Day.

And Ricky spoke very honestly about his plank moves when he first started working out.

‘I’ve never done salsa before,’ he said, ‘Luba can confirm that and when we were doing it for the first time when she was first showing me the steps of salsa, I was like a robot that needs oil, and now I know there’s more. a movement!’

Hope: Of the four referees – Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beek, Craig Revell-Horwood and Motsi Mabuse – Ricky is hoping to impress Anton the most, having worked together previously.

Luba said: “The progression from the beginning to now is phenomenal. I love that he always gives himself feedback too because it makes him such a great student, he’s always hungry to learn. So I’m so happy, I couldn’t have a better partner.”

The four regular judges from the main show – Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beck, Craig Revell-Horwood and Motsie Mabuse – will sit on the panel for this year’s Christmas special and there’s one person in particular that Ricky hopes to impress.

“ As long as Luba is happy, I am happy,” he said. But on the judging panel, I want to wow Anton, just because I worked with him before on a TV show called House of Games and we kind of got along and worked together and I ended up winning the show.

Born to Perform: The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day at 5.10pm

Luba added, “I mean, all of them. They are there to help you become better. Fortunately at Christmas, they are always so much nicer. every one of them. They are like joy. I think it’s the Christmas spirit or something.

“So I love doing the Christmas special because they’re always so kind and sweet and they let you know our partners feel good about it.”

Last year, singer Anne-Marie and professional dancer Graziano Di Prima were crowned winners of the 2021 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.

The Strictly 2022 series ended last week with Hamza Yasin and partner Jowita Przystal lifting the shiny ball trophy after the audience voted.

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day at 5.10pm.

Strictly Christmas special 2022: Who are the stars?

Rosie Ramsey

age: 35

Profession: Podcast host

Rosie says: “After watching my husband Chris compete a few years ago, I was desperate to get on that dance floor myself.”

Alexandra Mardel

age: 29

Profession: an actress

Alexandra says: “I can’t wait to enter the training room and see what festive moves I can bring to the table!”

Nicola Roberts

age: 37

Profession: Singer

nicola says: They promised me more glitter, sparkle, and frosting all wrapped together with a huge bow on top! “

Ricky Hood Williams

age: 42

Profession: dj radio

Ricky says: I always said I would be too afraid to do that. But lo and behold, I’m ready for it, sequins and all

Larry Lamb

age: 75

Profession: the actor

Larry says: Christmas has come early! I can’t wait to get on the dance floor and learn a whole new skill ready for all those festive parties.

George Webster

aGE: 22

Profession: CBeebies presenter

George says: I deeply love and watch her every year. I’ve always dreamed of being on the show for a year and I’m so excited to be in this year’s Christmas show!