Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb has been flooded with love and support from his soap castmates as he issues a three-word message ahead of the Strictly launch.
Actor Lawrence Robb is best known for his role as Mackenzie Boyd in Yorkshire-based soap, Emmerdale. Recently, poor Mackenzie has been desperately trying to convince Sarah Sugden to change her statement as Charity Dingle looks at being sent down for the murder of Dr Caitlin Todd.
Excitement ahead of the launch
However, away from the Dales, Lawrence is one of 15 celebrities taking on this year's Strictly Come Dancing - the first series without Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman fronting the BBC juggernaut.
Ahead of appearing on the BBC competition show, he has joked about how excited his mother is, saying: "I don't know who’s more excited about this, me or my mother!"
He added: "I can't quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!"
Co-stars show their support
Taking to his Instagram just a week before the launch show for Strictly 2026, Lawrence was supported by his soap co-stars as he shared his glamorous photoshoot for the BBC series.
He penned: "I guess it’s time to learn about ballroom. Here. We. Go!" On-screen wife Emma Atkins wrote: "We are so excited" as Olivia Bromley added: "YESSSSSS".
Lawrence previously teased: "No going back now. Hips are ‘pure’ loose now by the way," after Strictly shared the first photo from this year's line-up in a trailer.
What to expect from the launch show
Last year, viewers watched as Emmerdale star Lewis Cope impressed judges week by week until his unexpected elimination. His journey was cut short just before musicals week after himself and professional dancer Katya Jones were eliminated following a dance off with Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.
The launch show of the 2026 series will see the new hosts - Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe - at the helm for the first time, as well as feature a large opening number in which judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will showcase their dance moves.
Meanwhile, other names set to take to the Strictly ballroom this year, as well as Lawrence, are EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, singer Delta Goodrem, Man City legend Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Gavin & Stacey favourite Melanie Walters.
Lawrence will join his fellow Strictly Come Dancing contestants when the series begins on Saturday, September 19, on BBC One, first airing at 7.25pm.
