Strictly Come Dancing presenter Ellie Taylor shared exciting baby news live on air during Thursday's edition of It Takes Two, announcing that contestant Will Best has welcomed his first child.
Will, who is currently competing on Strictly with professional partner Dianne Buswell, has become a father to a son named Sonny with his fiancée Tobi Rose. The announcement came at the start of the show, with Ellie declaring: "Here at It Takes Two, we love to give you all the exclusives and we have a particularly special one for you right now."
Training room announcement
In a pre-recorded segment, Strictly: Lights Up presenter Abi Clarke spoke with Will and Dianne in the training room. She began: "Will, I believe you have some very big news." Will responded: "I do have some big news to share.... My amazing, beautiful fiancée and I have got a baby now, we've got a little baby."
Abi subsequently enquired: "When did it happen? How did it go? Is everyone alright?" Will revealed: "Sunday morning he arrived. And he's amazing, and Tobes is doing really well. And yeah, it's the most surreal, wonderful thing. I haven't slept for a couple days!"
Preparing for Icons Week
Will and Dianne are scheduled to perform a Jive during Icons Week this weekend, on Saturday, October 17. Dianne, who herself became a mother in March, acknowledged that they would need to press on with rehearsals despite Will's recent sleep deprivation.
Speaking to Dianne, Will remarked: "You're also incredibly tired, so [together we are] functioning." Dianne added: "We're trying to crack on and do it. We're trying to condense everything down, but still put on a show."
Will, who will be honouring Elton John in the ballroom this weekend, joked about his son's appearance: "He looks like a cross between Elton John, Bob Hoskins, and Antony Costa from Blue." He also expressed gratitude to Dianne, stating: "Thank you for being amazing throughout the whole thing."
Social media congratulations
Back in the studio, a thrilled Ellie remarked: "How gorgeous is that!" It wasn't long before supporters sent their well-wishes on social media. "Congratulations to Will btw who has just become a dad," one individual posted on X. Another commented: "Congratulations to Will and his family on their new arrival!"
Will announced the news on Instagram earlier today, posting: "Well who do we have here then? ! Welcome to the world Sonny Best, you little smasher. @tobiroseofficial you're a miracle and I love you so much. A couple of tired new parents (see last slide) but oh my goodness aren't we lucky xxx." In footage cradling his newborn son, Will quipped: "So, I got this really cool new thing today. Lots of people might get them but they are pretty cool."
The announcement was inundated with congratulatory messages from Will's Strictly colleagues. Delta Goodrem posted: "Congratulations! ! !" Amy Dowden commented: "Massive congratulations xxx," while Dianne Buswell remarked: "Yay I'm so happy for you and Tobi and Bowie is so excited to meet little Sonny." Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly: It Takes Two are both available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
