‘I’m going to get fit again’ vows Strictly winner as he opens up on biggest challenge to date
STRICTLY Come Dancing winner Hamza Yassin has set himself his biggest challenge yet.
The former BBC celebrity ballroom star – who won in 2022 – has vowed to slim down, ready for Christmas this year.
Hamza, 34, took to X – formerly known as Twitter – with a candid video about his weight loss journey.
The popular Strictly Come Dancing personality recorded the close up clip from his own home gym.
He stated he had just finished a workout as he was visibly sweating on his forehead and face.
But the cameraman and presenter appeared determined as he candidly stated his goal for his 53,000 followers.
The Countryfile filmaker admitted: “There you go. Workout done for the day in the home gym.
“Instead of hot girls summer, it’s gonna be hot boy winter. I’m getting ready for Christmas dinner and New Year’s.
“So work hard now, so I can eat as much as I can come winter.”
With a beaming smile on his face, the CBeebies star continued: “Hopefully there’s people out there enjoying it.”
He also issued an inspirational call to his fans online to follow him along the journey.
“If you are exercising and having a home gym, put a comment below,” he exclaimed.
“Home Gym exercises, and what are your goals? Mine is to hit 100 kilos hopefully.”
The star added: “So we’ll see. I’ve got a bit of work to go. See you all soon.”
He emphasised the challenge he faces with an accompanying written caption.
The post read: “What are you goals!!! Mine is to reach 100kg by Christmas, and get fit again. Join in and let’s support each other! #homegym.”
Stricty Come Dancing winners
- Series One (2004): Natasha Kaplinsky
- Series Two (2004): Jill Halfpenny
- Series Three (2005): Darren Gough
- Series Four (2006): Mark Ramprakash
- Series Five (2007): Alesha Dixon
- Series Six (2008): Tom Chambers
- Series Seven (2019): Chris Hollins
- Series Eight (2010): Kara Tointon
- Series Nine (2011): Harry Judd
- Series 10 (2012): Louis Smith
- Series 11 (2013): Abbey Clancy
- Series 12 (2014): Caroline Flack
- Series 13 (2015): Jay McGuiness
- Series 14 (2016): Ore Oduba
- Series 15 (2017): Joe McFadden
- Series 16 (2018): Stacey Dooley
- Series 17 (2019): Kelvin Fletcher
- Sires 18 (2020): Bill Bailey
- Series 19 (2021): Rose Ayling-Ellis
- Series 20 (2022): Hamza Yassin
- Series 21 (2023): Ellie Leach
Hamza’s fans and pals flocked to the social media site as they lavished him with praise and words of encouragement.
One user wrote: “Yes buddy”, along with a muscle flex strength emoji.
A second advised: “No weight goals but to be active again, get walking more, fit enough for my Scotland birding trip. You got this!”
“I think you are so dedicated to everything you do – you are sure to succeed,” exclaimed a third fan.
As a fourth said: “Small gains Hamza just stick at it you will have a lot of encouragement from me.”
And a fifth added: “Good luck..keep dancing too you were amazing,” complete with a string of heart face emojis.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.