Graeme Hall, the television presenter and dog trainer known for Channel 5's Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, is competing in the current season of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 59-year-old recently scored 24 out of 40 points with professional partner Lauren Oakley, following a full recovery from a 2019 stroke.
Hall described his participation as a dream come true, saying, "I'm living my best life at the minute."
He also addressed playful teasing about whether he would wear a canine costume on set.
Hall clarified that he hopes to avoid dressing as a dog, though he acknowledged he might have to dance to a dog-themed tune at some point.
He said, "I'm going to resist dressing up as a dog. I might get my way."
Recovery from a 2019 Stroke
Hall opened up about the medical emergency that altered his perspective on physical fitness and performance.
He explained that he had a stroke in 2019, which caused him to stop dancing, a hobby he had previously practiced and even performed at a 2012 charity event.
During treatment, doctors discovered a hole in his heart that had caused the stroke, and they patched it up.
Hall said, "I recovered fully, but had to have an operation... They patched that up, and I'm back to fitness."
Reflecting on the psychological impact, Hall noted that such events make you reappraise life.
He added, "There is a life after things like strokes and life-changing events. You pick yourself up and off you go."
Hall expressed enthusiasm for the physical challenges of live dance performances, saying, "If you're going to do Strictly, you go all in...
Bring on the fake tan and the glitter!"
Ahead of his training sessions, Hall shed 11 kilograms starting in February through consistent gym workouts.
He mentioned that he focuses on weights and compound exercises like overhead presses, which he now realizes were important.
He also admitted that the partner lifts on Strictly seem scary to him, as he has never done anything like that before.
Regarding the judges, including Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood, Hall is preparing for critical feedback.
He said, "If you've impressed Shirley, you've done well, particularly in Latin."
He is not looking forward to the rumba, noting that male celebrities often struggle with it.
He added, "It's the dance of love and it's difficult to come across as smoulderingly passionate when you're a man of a certain age, although I'll give it my best."
He also said, "I'm going to have to get used to Craig saying whatever he says. If he ever gives me a 10, my life will be complete."
Hall reflected on his home life, noting that he currently has no dogs at home after losing three older dogs over the past two years.
He said, "We're having a bit of a break. But I get my fix every day at work – there are so many lovely dogs."
He discussed the mental benefits of immersive activities like training animals or performing on stage.
He said, "Whether it's being around dogs or dancing, I've realised that it doesn't matter what's going on in your world...
you don't think about your troubles."
Following his recent Cha Cha Cha to "Hound Dog," judge Motsi Mabuse praised his overall performance style, saying, "We've got a smile because we love your vibe."
Head judge Shirley Ballas noted his technical accuracy, saying, "That was full of Cha Cha content, that is exactly what we're talking about."
Ballas further complimented his adaptability, calling him "a master of his craft" and "an amazing student."
Hall and Oakley placed fifth on the leaderboard following their performance, joining 14 other celebrity couples advancing to Movie Week.
