PARK life

HAMZA YASSIN on bringing us more animal tales from Longleat and his post-Strictly career

ANIMAL PARK
NEW MON-FRI, 1.45PM, BBC1 FACTUAL

Watching lions roam across Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire is a far cry from the glitz of the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom. But for Hamza Yassin, it’s where he’s happiest.

After winning last year’s series of the sequinned spectacular, the wildlife cameraman and presenter has now returned to his day job, working alongside Ben Fogle and Kate Humble on Animal Park.

He lights up with excitement as he chats to TV Times about the latest run of the popular BBC1 daytime show, sharing stories of warthogs with dental problems, elusive eagles and dogs who can outsmart humans.

Here, in an exclusive interview, Sudanborn Hamza, 33, tells us about the hair-raising encounters he’s had this time during filming and explains why tigers will always take priority over tango…

Hamza, are you excited to be back at Longleat for another series of Animal Park?

Yes, it's awesome. I came to the UK at quite a young age and I didn't know any English, but I watched British wildlife documentaries. I've watched Animal Park since I was a kid [the show began in 2000], so it's really surreal to work on it now.

Kate and Ben always tell the viewers they have special permission to be behind the scenes, and now I get to say. exactly the same phrase - it's incredible. I'm like a little kid in a candy store, except I'm in the middle of a safari park! My favourite animal is a gorilla, and when we're at Longleat filming, the keepers always let me give them a bit of a feed at the end of the day. It's a privilege and I'm a lucky dude.

Can you tell us more about the animals you've been filming this year?