Strictly's Hamza Yassin lands exciting Christmas role

Emily Stedman

October 28, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.·2 min read

Strictly Come Dancing winner Hamza Yassin has landed an important Christmas role.

The wildlife documentarian, who scooped the Glitterball trophy in last year's series with professional dancer Jowita Przystał, will be making a trip to Hay-on-Wye in Wales to mark the start of Christmas.

Hamza will officially kick off the Hay Festival Winter Weekend celebrations on Friday, November 24 at 5pm when he turns on the town's Christmas lights.

The Strictly star said he was "honoured to bring some added sparkle" to the weekend, on what will be his first visit to Hay-on-Wye.

"It will be my first trip to the Town of Books and I'm looking forward to meeting readers and fellow wildlife lovers there, on stage and off, and marking the season's change with hope and joy."

It's thought that Hamza will be talking about his latest book at the annual literary festival. The TV presenter released Be a Birder: The Joy of Birdwatching and How to Get Started in September of this year.

hamza yassin and jowita przystal on strictly come dancing, week 4 — BBC

Hamza returned to the Strictly dance floor last month to help kick off the start of the 2023 series.

Reuniting with his dance partner Jowita, the two performed one of their most iconic routines from last year's series – the Salsa to 'Ecuador' by Sash! feat Rodriquez.

Hamza became emotional after the performance, shedding a few tears as he reflected on his dancing journey.

"Strictly has been one of the best things I've ever done. To share this stage with this lovely young lady [Jowita], the things that she's taught me in life. Strictly, Jowita, thank you so much. Cheers everybody."

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Tickets for Strictly's 2024 live arena tour are available now.

Interested in talking about Strictly Come Dancing? Visit our dedicated sub-forum

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