Make no mistake about it, despite the fact he’s all smiles on the dance floor – and he’s positively grinning from ear to ear during our exclusive shoot – Strictly’s Jamie Laing has had one hell of a tough year. And that’s not even factoring in pandemic problems.
The likable Made In Chelsea star was left devastated last September when he was forced to quit Strictly before the live shows even began after he injured his foot during practice with his professional partner Oti Mabuse. Jamie could only sit on the sidelines and watch (presumably through gritted teeth) as his replacement, soap star Kelvin Fletcher, went on to win the hearts of the nation and, awkwardly, the Glitterball trophy.
Even though it led to a “very anxious time” for Jamie, there was always the hope he’d be given a second chance at ballroom glory, and over the weekend he took that chance and ran with it. As we went to press the boisterous blond and his lookalike new dance partner Karen Hauer were due to make their debut on the live shows, performing to the socially distanced judges, a limited studio audience, and millions watching at home. And for Jamie, 31, it’s been a long time coming.
“It was a rough time,” he tells us during a break in our shoot where he’s been posing up a storm for OK’s photographer. “But losing Strictly made me appreciate what true happiness is. I’m so grateful they asked me to return.”
Denne historien er fra November 2, 2020-utgaven av OK! UK.
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Denne historien er fra November 2, 2020-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered
'Christmas is a double whammy'
Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements
'I think we arrived right on time'
The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts
'No one knows who I am'
Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025
THE ROYAL WEEK
It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities