Bill Bailey, the comedian and musician, has described Strictly Come Dancing as a 'cult' following the departure of several dancers from the show. The 55-year-old, who is currently competing in the 18th series, made the comment in light of the recent cull of professional dancers.
Bailey, known for his hippy persona and quick wit, has surprised audiences with his dance skills. His performance to Blondie's 'One Way or Another' in week four caught the judges' attention, showcasing his deft physical control. His professional partner, Oti Mabuse, praised him on Twitter, calling him a 'blessing' and noting how he approaches each dance as a 'blank canvas'.
Despite his success on the dance floor, Bailey has a diverse career. He is a gifted musician with perfect pitch, who took ballroom dancing lessons as a teenager. He has performed in small venues in the Scottish highlands and sold out shows at the Royal Albert Hall, where he deconstructed classical music and TV themes. His comedy often delves into nerdery, covering topics from the Large Hadron Collider to philosophy.
Bailey's transition to a full-on dancer may not be surprising given his background. He has appeared in cult sitcoms like Black Books and Spaced, and his ability to adapt to different roles is well-documented. However, his view of Strictly as a cult reflects the intense dedication required by the show.
