Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb has revealed he has a "teeny bit" of dance experience ahead of the first live show of Strictly Come Dancing. The actor, who plays Mackenzie Boyd in the fictional Yorkshire village, will take to the ballroom floor for the first time on Saturday night.
Lawrence is partnered with Jowita Przystal. But Jowita may have landed lucky, as the 34-year-old has revealed he has some basic dance experience.
What Lawrence said about his dance skills
Speaking to the Radio Times magazine, Lawrence said he does have "a teeny bit of basic dance experience". He said: "I can give you a solid step click, and that's about it. When it comes to Latin, ballroom, absolutely not. So I think Jowita's got her work cut out for her, but I'm looking forward to helping her work through that."
The Scottish actor said it's been an "overwhelming" start to his Strictly journey and it hasn't quite "sunk in" just yet. He said: "There's been so much that's happened in such a short period of time that the overwhelming sense of everything is still all very real."
The Scottish actor has been written out of Emmerdale temporarily while he takes part in the dancing show. The soap is recorded up to ten weeks in advance, so Lawrence is currently still appearing on screen alongside his on-screen partner Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins).
Support from co-stars
Lawrence's exciting Strictly news was announced last month, and many of his co-stars rushed to send their support. Amy Walsh (Tracy Metcalfe) said: "Omg omg omg!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing!!!!!!!!"
Isabel Hodgins (Victoria Sugden) said: "Dream stealer can't wait to see you waltz in a kilt x." Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle) added: "I am SO excited."
Former Emmerdale star Lewis Cope (Nicky Miligan), who took part in last year's series of the BBC ballroom and Latin show, said: "Yes brother!!! I am so excited for you."
Dance background
Born in November 1991 in Glasgow, Lawrence was creative from an early age. At school, he was a part of the choir, and acted in the Christmas pantomime at the age of 14.
He later went on to attend the Dance School of Scotland, described as "a centre of excellence for vocational dance and musical theatre". The 34-year-old is also a singer, and often posted covers of songs to social media.
After moving to London, Lawrence starred in an episode of the Sky Atlantic series I Hate Suzie, portraying the role of Matt. He has also appeared in several stage productions including Into the Woods, Mojo and Legally Blonde.
In 2020, Lawrence joined the cast of Emmerdale as Mack. He was introduced on screen as Moira Dingle's brother. The actor has had several gripping storylines since joining the Dales, including marrying Charity Dingle and being kidnapped by John Sugden. Lawrence was also lucky enough to star in the special "Corriedale" crossover episode with Coronation Street which aired in January.
Personal life
Away from the screen, Lawrence was previously in a relationship with actress Joanne Thomson, who also hails from Glasgow. The couple kept their private life out of the spotlight, but were together for several years. Joanne starred in ITV mini-series In Plain Sight, as well as a thriller series The Victim. However, it was reported they had parted ways.
In 2025, Lawrence confirmed he was dating West End star Pamela Blair. He often shares insights into their life together on Facebook. Last month, the pair looked gorgeous as they attended a wedding. Pamela looking stunning as she wore a yellow polka dot satin maxi dress, as she posed next to Lawrence, who was wearing a cream double breasted blazer with dark beige trousers and a tie to match.
Lawrence spoke about his relationship during an appearance on Lorraine last year. The actor revealed he'd left his change of clothes at home, and his girlfriend had to go back home for him. Lorraine said: "I'm so glad that you're sitting there looking so refined, so elegant, so beautiful. Can I tell the nation that you forgot your clothes this morning? You didn't turn up naked or anything, you had your sport stuff on and someone came to your rescue."
Lawrence said: "My gorgeous girlfriend left halfway through our car journey here and went back to the house to grab it and then got the tube here... it was very dramatic. She's a keeper."
