Strictly Come Dancing 2020 champion Bill Bailey has dedicated his win to the dancing dads of Britain following his victorious stint on Saturday evening.
In a new interview, the comedian, 55, who became the series’ oldest ever winner, said he identifies with ‘every bloke in their 40s and 50s’ as he urged them to ‘not give up’ on their dreams.
The actor also revealed his professional partner Oti Mabuse, 30, could be the ‘creative director’ for his next comedy tour En Route To Normal, which will see him take to stages across the UK next December.
‘Don’t give up!’ Strictly Come Dancing 2020 champion Bill Bailey has dedicated his win to the dancing dads of Britain following his victorious stint on Saturday (pictured with Oti Mabuse)
The Never Mind the Buzzcocks star said in an impassioned statement: ‘This says to every bloke in their 40s or 50s, ”Don’t give up”. You can get up and dance. You can do more than you can possibly imagine.
‘And having the strength and belief can get you there. It feels like a dream. It’s overwhelming. ‘I don’t know about the 12 hours’ training a day but certainly I’d love to carry on dancing. It’s exhilarating, liberating.’
On Oti’s offer to choreograph his stand-up shows, Bill joked to The Mirror: ‘Yes, she said, ”I’ll do your dancing on the next tour and be your creative director.”’
Meanwhile, South African beauty Oti enthused she feels invincible after her victorious stint on the BBC hit for a second year in a row.
Making history: In a new interview, the comedian, 55, who became the series’ oldest ever winner, said he identifies with ‘every bloke in their 40s and 50s’
Close: The actor also revealed his professional partner Oti Mabuse, 30, could be the ‘creative director’ for his next comedy tour En Route To Normal
During a recent interview on the show’s podcast, the ballroom star enthused about achieving impressive goals, regardless of her background.
The media personality said: ‘The only thing I feel is that now it’s possible. It’s possible to be a young girl from a third world country and come here, work hard and do it.
‘It’s possible for professional dancers who are on this show, to think, ”I won it once, I can do it again.” It’s possible. I can’t believe it’s happened…but it’s possible.’
The Greatest Dancer judge helped soap star Kelvin Fletcher pick up the Glitterball Trophy on last year’s edition.
‘It is possible!’ Meanwhile, South African beauty Oti enthused she feels invincible after her victorious stint on the BBC hit for a second year in a row
There’s no stopping her! The Greatest Dancer judge helped soap star Kelvin Fletcher pick up the Glitterball Trophy on last year’s edition (pictured)
On Sunday evening, Oti took to social media to pay tribute to Bill, crew members and her husband Marius Iepure in a sweet post following her triumph.
The TV star hailed musician Bill her new ‘best friend’ as she wrote: ‘One magical night. I can’t find the words to describe how grateful I am.
‘At the beginning of the year my goal was to humble myself with everything I experience this year and boy did this close my year on a high with the best friend I made in @billbaileyofficial but we didn’t make it alone.’
Oti went on to express her gratitude towards the show’s make-up artists and stylists, before she complimented her fellow finalists.
Grateful: On Sunday evening, the TV star took to social media to pay tribute to Bill, crew members and her husband Marius Iepure in a sweet post following her triumph
The former Let’s Dance star added: ‘To @karenhauer @gorka_marquez @jmanrara what an honour to share the finale with you.
‘it was so full of love, support and joy you really made it feel like a show and we knew we had a responsibility to share love and light to our celebs, each other and the nation.
‘being a pro means we not be able to go home to families but we became each other’s support thank you for being pure of heart no judgment, negativity just pure love as colleagues should be to one another.’
Oti – who was required to leave her loved ones behind and enter Strictly’s COVID-19 bubble during this year’s show – also gushed about her ‘rock’ Marius, 38, who ran their dance school in her absence.
The Pretoria native explained: ‘Last one and definitely not least! To my husband. MY ABSOLUTE ROCK!
Smitten: Oti was required to leave her loved ones behind and enter Strictly’s COVID-19 bubble during this year’s show (pictured FaceTiming her husband and their dog)
‘Love you to the moon and back’: In a separate note, the media personality also gushed about her ‘rock’ Marius, 38, who ran their dance school in her absence
‘You’ve been there for me through all of it and more running the school through lockdown, being a friend, husband, and taking care of Leo has meant everything!
‘You made my world a better place on every occasion, you reminded me to keep going, of who I am and what we mean to each other. these cuddles or moments I’ll cherish forever. love you to the moon and back @mariusiepure.’ (sic)
In a report published by the BBC Press Office on Sunday, the dancing competition final became the most-watched, non-news based TV show of 2020.
In a statement released by Acting Controller of BBC One, Kate Phillips, said: ‘Strictly has provided much needed sparkle to our weekends this autumn and last night’s final brought pure joy to over 13 million viewers all over the UK as Bill and Oti lifted the glitter ball.’
Proud moment: In a report published by the BBC Press Office on Sunday, the dancing competition final became the most-watched, non-news based TV show of 2020