Strictly Come Dancing contestant Lawrence Robb, known for playing Mackenzie Boyd in Emmerdale, is one of 15 celebrities competing for the Glitterball trophy this year. He is partnered with professional dancer Jowita Przystal, who won the show in 2022 with wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin.
Previous Concerns About Competing
Two years ago, the actor admitted he had concerns about joining the BBC programme. He explained that his contract with ITV, where Emmerdale airs, could prevent him from taking part since Strictly is broadcast on the BBC.
Speaking on the Fit2 Perform podcast, the Glasgow-born star said: "Never say never, my mum is keen for it to happen." He also worried about his dancing ability, stating: "I think I'd catastrophically fail in it. I've danced before but I struggle to step click."
Balancing Soap and Dance
Despite these concerns, Lawrence later confirmed he would juggle his Emmerdale work with Strictly rehearsals, saying: "It's very exciting, but I'm terrified." He added: "I've never done anything like this before, and from the very minimal dancing that I've done in the past, I know that it's going to be an uphill battle from the get-go. I think once things kick off, I'll probably understand what I've got myself into!"
His co-star Emma Atkins, who plays Charity Dingle, and an ITV spokesperson have since confirmed he will take a break from the soap to focus on the competition. Emma claimed Lawrence was written out of Emmerdale "last minute" to compete.
Exit Scene and Confirmation
Speaking to The Sun at the Inside Soap Awards, Emma said: "We were filming a scene where we had to get him out so he could go and do it as he'd just got the phone call [from Strictly] and they wrote him out very quickly." She added: "He has this moment where he tells Charity he is going to work in Germany, and at the end of the scene I say 'go on then, you may as well go' and he does this little flick [like a shimmy] and I was like 'the audience are going to know', it was very very well done."
An ITV spokesperson said: "He has been released for a few weeks to accommodate his schedule with Strictly."
Competition Line-Up and Show Details
Lawrence is competing against Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Dame Sarah Storey, Will Best, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Tabby Stoecker and John Nellis. Pairings were revealed during last weekend's launch show, which also introduced Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe as new presenters, alongside five new professional dancers. Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight at 6.15pm on BBC One.
