He started off as a 50-1 outsider to lift the glitterball trophy when the BBC show kicked off in October.
And it seems Bill Bailey had as little faith in himself as the bookies did as he admitted that he had prepared to be the ‘joke act’ of Strictly Come Dancing.
Fast forward a couple of months and the comedian, 55, is preparing to compete in Saturday’s final, with Bill stating it would be ‘wonderful’ to reach the final.
Rank outsider: Bill Bailey had as little faith in himself as the bookies did as he admitted that he had prepared to be the ‘joke act’ of Strictly Come Dancing
In a new interview, Bill opened up on his surprise at being a natural on the dance floor, adding that he fully expected to be the complete opposite.
When asked if he thought he’d be as good as he is, Bill told The Mirror: ‘Not at all. I fully expected not to be able to do it.
‘I had the full range of outcomes I’d prepared for, from being the joke act that goes out first, to actually even worse, just falling over in the middle of the routine, lurching, knocking one of the judges off their chair, setting fire to the studio, kicking a camera over, seeing the set burst into flames.’
In it to win it: Fast forward a couple of months and the comedian, 55, is preparing to compete in Saturday’s final, with Bill stating it would be ‘wonderful’ to reach the final
The Never Mind The Buzzcocks favourite has been growing week by week, with both audiences and judges impressed by his dedication, musicality and overall commitment to improving his dance skills.
Bill is partnered with reigning champion Oti Mabuse and credited her exemplary teaching as the reason behind his impressive performances.
He went on to say that he and the professional dancer, 30, have formed a ‘great friendship’, adding that her ‘strict’ work ethic is ‘similar’ to his own and is why they get on so well.
This Saturday, Bill and Oti are set to perform two dances in the show’s semi-final, they will first Tango to Enter Sandman by Metallica before taking on the Charleston to (Won’t You Come Home) Bill Bailey by Ottilie Patterson with Chris Barber.
Shock: In a new interview, Bill opened up on his surprise at being a natural on the dance floor, adding that he fully expected to be the complete opposite
Expectations: ‘I had the full range of outcomes I’d prepared for, from being the joke act that goes out first, to actually even worse, just falling over in the middle of the routine’
If they survive this week, then they reach the coveted grand final and have a chance of competing for the glitterball trophy.
Discussing the prospect, Bill remarked: ‘Reaching the final, who knows. It would be wonderful just to get to get that last push.’
Bill’s words come after he claimed he’s slimmed down so much he needs a whole new wardrobe, and has even asked for clothes for Christmas.
Speaking on Wednesday’s edition of Lorraine, he said of his recent weight loss: ‘I’m going to have to get some new clothes – that’s on my Christmas list. It’s a great workout.
Hopeful: Discussing the prospect, Bill remarked: ‘Reaching the final, who knows. It would be wonderful just to get to get that last push’
‘I’m going to have to get some new clothes’: Bill revealed on Wednesday’s Lorraine he’s lost so much weight on show he’s had to ask for slimmer clothing for Christmas
‘Most of my clothes don’t close now. I feel [healthier, better]. It’s very demanding.’
Bill also spoke about how well he’s done throughout his Strictly journey, admitting he didn’t even expect it when he signed up to the show.
‘No one is more surprised than me. The music helps with being able to pick out the rhythm, but it’s really taken me by surprise,’ he explained.
‘I have a brilliant teacher in Oti, she’s a wonderful dancer so of course I’m in good hands.’
Thoughts: Bill, who has lost a stone-and-a-half since starting the show, said: ‘I’m going to have to get some new clothes – that’s on my Christmas list’ (pictured with pro partner Oti Mabuse)