Strictly Come Dancing contestant Graeme Hall has revealed he suffered a stroke in 2019 and required surgery for a hole in his heart, which caused the health crisis. The 59-year-old, widely known as The Dogfather, has since made a full recovery.
Health ordeal forced dance hiatus
Speaking to Heat Magazine, Graeme explained that he stopped dancing after becoming unwell suddenly. "It was all good fun but I stopped because I had a stroke in 2019. I recovered fully, but had to have an operation as they discovered I had a hole in my heart that caused it. They patched that up and I'm back to fitness."
Describing the unexpected health crisis as "a heck of a shock", he said the experience taught him the value of life. "There is life after things like strokes and life-changing events. You pick yourself up and off you go," he added.
Fitness and Strictly journey
Graeme ensures fitness remains a priority within his hectic schedule. He revealed to the publication that he has shed 11 kilograms since February through regular gym sessions, combining his workouts with weights and compound exercises. "Little did I know that was going to be important," he added, referring to Strictly. "Those lifts seem scary to me. I've never done anything like that before."
Last week, Graeme and his partner Lauren Oakley delivered a Cha Cha Cha to Hound Dog (Smokey Joe's Café version), securing 24 out of 40 points and positioning them fifth on the leaderboard. Following the performance, host Emma Willis observed that all four judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke - were beaming from ear to ear.
Judges' praise and competition ahead
Motsi told Graeme: "We've got a smile because we love your vibe," before revealing she "loved" the routine and commending the contestant for his hard work. Anton also described the dance as "super", while Craig Revel Horwood said he enjoyed the performance and applauded Graeme for his careful attention to technique.
Shirley mirrored Craig and Motsi's enthusiasm, stating: "That was full of Cha Cha content, that is exactly what we're talking about." She continued by describing him as "a master of his craft" in his professional field, while also branding him "an amazing student", insisting she could see that he had genuinely absorbed Lauren's guidance.
Graeme is vying for the Glitterball trophy alongside 14 other celebrity contestants: Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Melanie Walters, Dame Sarah Storey, Will Best, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Tabby Stoecker, Lawrence Robb and John Nellis. This week, all 15 dancing couples will return to the dance floor for Movie Week. Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One.
