Hamza Yassin is the thirteenth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its 20th series this autumn, once again bringing glitter, glamour and glorious dancing to homes across the nation.
Hamza Yassin is a wildlife cameraman and presenter.
Hamza Yassin says: “I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show. I’ve been watching it for years and I can’t believe I’ll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public. My dance skills are currently at the level of ‘1970’s disco vibe’ but I’m ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it ‘til you make it!”
Hamza is one of the presenters of BBC’s Animal Park and a guest presenter on BBC’s Countryfile where he shares his vast knowledge and camera skills. He is well known to younger viewers under the guise of Ranger Hamza, presenting CBeebies live-action show Let’s Go For A Walk and new series Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest later this month. Hamza moved to the Scottish Highlands when he was younger to follow his dream of filming Scottish wildlife and becoming a wildlife cameraman. He has lived there ever since and recently fronted Channel 4 documentary Scotland: My Life in the Wild and Scotland: Escape to the Wilderness, in which he guided celebrity companions on journeys through western and eastern Scotland and the Highlands. In his spare time, Hamza competes in the Highland Games and enjoys riding the country roads on his motorbike.
The news was revealed this afternoon (Thursday 11 August) on BBC Radio Scotland’s The Afternoon Show.
For interview requests, please contact clemmie.kirby@bbc.co.uk
The remaining celebrity contestants joining the new series will be announced in due course.
CK