With the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour in full swing, we chat to two standout stars of the show. First up, finalist Bobby Brazier reveals what made him fall in love with dancing
WORDS: KATIE BEGLEY AND JEN PHARO
FANCY FOOTWORK
Bobby Brazier has had a big year. Not only did the actor get to the final of Strictly Come Dancing, he also won the Rising Star Award at the National Television Awards as well as legions of new fans. Now Bobby is on the Strictly tour with his dance partner Dianne Buswell, and preparing to return to his role as Freddie Slater in EastEnders.
On top of that, there are rumours he’s doing a travelogue with his dad Jeff Brazier, who has raised him since his mum, reality star Jade Goody, died in 2009.
For Bobby though, as much as he wants to capitalise on his success, he also wants to spend a little bit of time focusing on his acting skills.
“I want to become good at what I do,” says Bobby. “For me, maybe it’s a time of sacrifice. It’s not jumping at the things that look all glittery and last 10 minutes, but it’s doing small jumps around the right people, where I can learn how to be a good actor, how to be a good dancer, maybe a good singer, and just become good for what I do. Credible as opposed to just riding a five-minute wave.”
At just 20 years old, the star has already got an enviable career as a model, has cut his teeth as an actor, and now he’s proved that he’s also an excellent dancer. For ambitious Bobby though, that’s not enough.
“I have the intention of learning how to become the best storyteller I can be,” says Bobby. “The next couple of years is just about getting experience across the board. So maybe doing some theatre, maybe doing some film, maybe learning how to sing. Maybe doing some more dancing.”
His youth is definitely on his side and his popularity is only growing.
“I’m still young and throwing myself at lots of different things so I can learn my craft,” says Bobby. “I want to be a craftsman. You can’t get good at it unless you try all these different things and that’s scary.”
They’re big plans, but first Bobby will return to EastEnders, where his character Freddie has become a fan favourite. Currently, Freddie is off-screen with his mum, Little Mo, after being arrested for the attempted murder of Theo Hawthorne (William Ellis). However, his character still has unfinished business with Anna Knight (Molly Rainford).
“I’m going back,” confirms Bobby
