Will Best, a contestant on the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing, has received a cautionary message from Sam Thompson, who has experience with the show through his connections. Will is set to compete against notable personalities like EastEnders' Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, and Delta Goodrem in the BBC programme's 24th series.
Why it matters: Will Best's participation in Strictly Come Dancing marks a major career milestone, but it comes with intense pressure and public scrutiny. Sam Thompson's guidance aims to help Will navigate the challenges ahead.
Will Best is partnered with Australian professional dancer Dianne Buswell for this season.
He is recognized for his roles co-hosting Big Brother and presenting the Hits Radio Breakfast Show.
Will described joining Strictly as an "absolute dream" but acknowledged the challenge as "terrifying."
He expressed uncertainty about his dancing skills, stating he has "no idea" if he can dance but intends to enjoy the experience.
Driving the news: Sam Thompson, known for his podcast and ties to the show through ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott and podcast co-host Pete Wicks, shared advice during a recent podcast interview. He emphasized the importance of staying grounded and not allowing the show to consume Will's life.
Sam remarked, "Bit of advice for you... I would say it consumes your life," highlighting the intense environment contestants face.
He advised Will to remain connected to reality, saying, "Do not get sucked in" to the show's atmosphere.
Sam believes that Will's previous experiences on Big Brother and Hits Radio will provide him with valuable tools to manage the pressures of Strictly.
State of play: As Will prepares for his debut on Strictly, he indicated he might adopt a 'Big Brother mode' mindset. This approach involves immersing himself in the show and the online discussions surrounding it.
Will noted, "Otherwise, I would just sit there stewing and being like, 'I can't ... I'm gonna be s**t.'"
Sam cautioned that overthinking could lead to a negative spiral, saying, "It's the worst thing you can do."
The pressure of learning dance steps and performing live adds to the challenge for contestants.
The big picture: Will's commitment to Strictly comes at a cost, as he announced he would temporarily step away from his radio duties. His co-host Fleur East shared the news during a live broadcast.
Fleur described Will as "the busiest man in show business" due to his commitments across multiple platforms.
She stated, "We're going to give you a little break... A gift from us to you," acknowledging the demands of his new role.
Will expressed gratitude, saying, "Oh, that's really sweet, thanks guys!" as he prepares to focus on his dancing.
What they're saying: The advice from Sam Thompson resonates with many former contestants who have experienced the overwhelming nature of Strictly.
Sam noted that maintaining a connection to the real world is key for contestants, as the show can create a false sense of reality.
He emphasized the importance of enjoying the experience, stating that it can be both challenging and rewarding.
Will's determination to enjoy every moment reflects a positive mindset, which could serve him well throughout the competition.
By the numbers: This season of Strictly Come Dancing features a diverse lineup of contestants, including actors, singers, and television personalities.
Will competes against 11 other contestants in the 24th series, including Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, and Delta Goodrem.
With 13 weeks of performances scheduled, contestants will face elimination rounds each week leading up to the grand finale.
Historically, Strictly draws millions of viewers, making it one of the UK's most-watched entertainment programmes.
What's next: As Will Best embarks on his Strictly adventure, he faces the dual challenge of learning choreography and managing public expectations.
The first live show is set to air in a few days, kicking off the competition.
Will's ability to balance his radio commitments and dance training will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.
With Sam Thompson's advice in mind, Will aims to maintain perspective and enjoy the ride ahead.