Strictly: Hamza Yassin on being 'up close' for Argentine Tango

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With just a couple of weeks left until the Strictly Come Dancing final, everything is to play for as the remaining couples inch closer to that coveted Glitterball Trophy. As CBeebies presenter Hamza Yassin has consistently remained at the top of the leaderboard week after week, it seems the 32-year old has made an impression on more than just the judges and viewers at home.

The presenter and wildlife cameraman has had an incredible run on the show and while he was relatively unknown to the public prior to his time in the Strictly ballroom, he’s become a fan favourite for both viewers and the judges. 

Having topped the leaderboard four times so far and avoiding the dreaded dance-off completely, Hamza and professional dance partner Jowita Przystal may make it all the way in competition.

And his popularity hasn’t gone unnoticed, with BBC bosses in talks to give the wildlife presenter his very own nature show. 

Speaking to The Sun, a TV insider said: “He’s been nothing short of a sensation on Strictly this year, coming from being a virtual unknown to becoming a huge favourite among viewers and judges alike.”

They added: “His popularity is as much to do with his personality and humility as anything else – and that’s what bosses are keen to develop further.”

Prior to his stint on the show, Hamza wasn’t as well-known among the general public as his fellow Strictly Stars.

He admitted: “You’re not meant to know who a  wildlife cameraman or presenter is,” so his overnight success and popularity has been quite overwhelming. 

While his stardom remains relatively new, his passion for nature and wildlife has grown ever since he was a student. With a degree in zoology and conservation and a masters in biological photography, he was destined for a life in the wild. 

At 21, he packed his things and moved from his home in Northampton, to a small village on the peninsula of Ardnamurchan in Lochaber – one of the most remote areas of Scotland.

Living in a small village, he grew close to the local community, who even helped him achieve his wildlife photography dreams.

He told the Daily Record: “Everybody knows what I do and I have 150 pairs of eyes on wildlife for me. Someone will tell me ‘Hamza, there’s buzzards nesting in the tree.’ It’s so lovely to have that relationship.”

As his career grew, he moved in front of the camera, presenting numerous wildlife programmes for both the BBC and Channel 4 including Animal Parks, Scotland: Escape to the Wilderness and as a guest presenter on Countryfile.

Hamza is also well-known among younger audiences as ‘Ranger Hamza’ from the CBeebies show Let’s Go For A Walk where he takes young ramblers on walks to find places for fun activities. 

While his new project is yet to be named, Hamza hopes “to follow in the footsteps of his idol Sir David Attenborough”.

Some fans have even slated the presenter to be the next David Attenborough.

Taking to twitter, @Bobby_Seagull said: “Please BBC, do a nature doc with David Attenborough & Hamza. We now have someone who could one day be heir to legend Attenborough.”

Another user, @Year5kS2 wrote: “I can see how he can replace David Attenborough one day. Thank you Hamza for being such a humble person. Many people can learn lots from you.”

In the meantime though, fans can look forward to seeing Hamza and the remaining contestants take to the dance floor in Friday’s quarter finals.

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