“Tommy, you’ve got the best seat in the house,” he said to the man who has stood by the dancefloor singing the dancers through their routines since the first series in May 2004.
“He was right,” the 60-year-old tells hello! in this exclusive interview ahead of his first solo tour. “I’ve been spoilt for 20 years with the best seat in the house.”
Tommy is one of the four original stars left on Strictly, along with presenter Tess Daly, judge Craig Revel Horwood and dancer turned judge Anton Du Beke.
“There’s definitely that thing between us when we pass each other and just think: ‘We’re really old aren’t we?’” he says, laughing.
While the singer shares a close bond with the whole cast, he particularly feels a connection with head judge Shirley Ballas.
“As a fe l low Scouser and someone who started in showbiz at a young age and around the same time, we’ve always had that extra connection. Shirley has such a positive influence on the show.”
Tommy’s soulful voice has been enjoyed by millions and helped create some of the show’s most memorable moments.
His own favourite memory is from 2008, when broadcaster John Sergeant and his pro partner Kristina Rihanoff danced the paso doble. “When John dragged Kristina across the dancefloor, you could see all of us singers with our mouths agape in the background,” he says. “There’s been many wonderful moments like that.”
SURPRISE SUCCESS
Denne historien er fra November 06, 2023-utgaven av HELLO! UK.
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Denne historien er fra November 06, 2023-utgaven av HELLO! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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STARS TURN OUT FOR THE EARTHSHOT PRIZE THE PRINCE OF WALES ROYAL HEADS TO CAPE TOWN FOR PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS CEREMONY
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FAMOUS NAMES TURN OUT FOR HALLOWEEN FRIGHT NIGHT STARS GO THE EXTRA MILE FOR SPOOKY STYLE
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SPEAKING OUT IN POWERFUL NEW DOCUMENTARY THE QUEEN SHOWS HER PASSIONATE COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE AND THEIR FAMILIES
The Queen has vowed to keep fighting for victims of domestic saying: Keep until I am able to no more.\"
PRINCESS BEATRICE AND NUTRITIONIST GABRIELA PEACOCK
HOW THE FRIENDS ARE SHARING THEIR PREGNANCY JOURNEY TOGETHER
AMERICA'S STYLE ELITE IS OUT IN FORCE FASHION'S FINEST A-LISTERS DIAL UP THE GLAMOUR TO HONOUR TOP DESIGNERS IN NEW YORK
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LEGENDARY DANCER WAYNE SLEEP REFLECTS ON A LIFE IN THE SPOTLIGHT AND HOW BALLET LED HIM INTO SHOWBIZ
He has danced with some of the greatest legends of ballet, partied with the biggest names in showbusiness and performed with royalty.
SPORTY, INTELLIGENT AND SHOWING AN IMPRESSIVE SENSE OF STYLE LADY LOUISE SHINES LIKE A JEWEL IN THE ROYAL CROWN AS SHE TURNS 21
As she celebrates her 21st birthday this week, Lady Louise Mountbatten Windsor is growing up into an engaging young woman.