Entertainer Brian Conley has unveiled the heartwarming depth of his friendship with Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden, while also sharing a playful personal comparison to Hollywood icon George Clooney. The revelations came during an exclusive chat on the red carpet at the prestigious TV Choice Awards in London.
A Connection Forged on the Dance Floor
The 64-year-old comedian and actor first met Dowden when they were partnered on the hit BBC dance competition in 2017. That initial professional collaboration blossomed into a genuine and enduring personal bond that Conley describes as familial in nature. "She is like family to me," Conley confessed to reporters at the glamorous event. "I was at her wedding and even organised part of it. I was the guy in the red coat, announcing everyone. It was a wonderful honour. I absolutely love her."
Mutual Admiration and Shared Experiences
The sentiment is wholeheartedly reciprocated by Dowden, who was delighted to reunite with Conley at the awards ceremony. The Strictly star reflected on their recent joint venture filming for the upcoming reality series Celebrity Hunted. "Me and Carlos have just done Celebrity Hunted with Brian Conley and Lucy. It was so good," Dowden shared. "Brian is like family to me. He was my first Strictly partner and he was master of ceremonies at my wedding."
Conley elaborated on the challenging yet rewarding experience of filming the show, which is scheduled to air later this year. "It was challenging. You’ve got no phone, no money, and you have to blag your way around the country," he explained. "But it brought Lucy and me much closer together. I’m extremely proud of her."
A Surprising Comparison to a Hollywood Legend
In a lighter moment, Conley disclosed a charming personal anecdote about how his wife perceives him. "My wife thinks I look like George Clooney in his older years," the entertainer revealed with amusement. While he did not delve into further details about the comparison, the remark added a touch of celebrity glamour to the evening's revelations.
Looking Ahead: Touring Triumphs and Personal Drive
Next on the agenda for Conley is a major tour with his comedy colleagues, collectively known as the Prat Pack. The group, featuring Joe Pasquale, Bradley Walsh, and Shane Ritchie, is set to embark on a series of shows culminating at the London Palladium. "The whole tour last year, 24 dates, sold out in 40 minutes," Conley noted with evident pride. "We joked that we’re the old version of Oasis. And this tour is finishing up at the Palladium, which is very exciting."
Behind his successful career lies a powerful personal motivation. Conley has previously spoken openly about being labelled unintelligent during his school years due to dyslexia, a experience that fuels his relentless work ethic. "When I was at school I really struggled and people called me lazy and thick," he recalled. "I wasn’t, and I know that’s why I’m shouting out to the world – don’t underestimate me. I was written off at school and that’s what drives you."
He now embraces his dyslexia as part of his identity. "I’m dyslexic and I embrace it now. I write phonetically and I read a bit slower than anyone else, but I’ve proved myself," Conley stated. "It might take me a bit longer to learn something, but it really goes into my soul. I can quote stuff from shows that I’ve done years ago. So, I suppose in a way in my head I’m going: ‘I’m not stupid, look what you’ve done, Brian.’"
