Strictly Come Dancing star dealt crushing blow weeks before launch show

Strictly Come Dancing star Ross King has been hit with a major blow ahead of his debut on the BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing’s Ross King has confessed to feeling the heat just weeks before his debut on the show, admitting, “I felt a bit of pressure.”

The Hollywood reporter, who is well-known in the showbiz world, was recently unveiled as the 13th celebrity contestant for this year’s competition.

Fans of the popular BBC programme will see Ross, along with other celebrities who have already begun rehearsals, take to the dance floor later this month.

During Monday’s (August 25) episode of ITV’s Lorraine, guest host Ranvir Singh chatted with Ross via video link and quickly delved into his Strictly experience so far, reports Wales Online.

Taking a breather from rehearsals in his hometown of Glasgow, Ross, a regular on Lorraine, shared: “It has been absolutely amazing. The sun is shining and Glasgow has never looked better. I’ve seen so much of it because I’ve not been particularly training, but I have been walking a lot.”

He added, “I’ve been trying to keep up the training. Yesterday, my niece and nephew made me the biggest Sunday roast I have had in years. I’ve also been partaking in a delicacy here, which is rolling slices, and the people have been lovely.”

Ross confessed he felt “pressure” as the latest odds from bookmakers suggest that his future on the show isn’t looking too bright, having found out that he’s been placed at the bottom with odds of 50/1.

He shared: “I felt a bit of pressure, of course, because I’m representing Lorraine, and I saw Alice Beer, who said I’m representing daytime.

“And then of course here they are saying I’m representing Scotland, but the great thing is I discovered today with the Bookies that I’m last at 50/1 to win, so the pressure is completely off me now.”

Ranvir was quick to back her colleague, exclaiming, “What do they know? They don’t know anything. When you’re walking around, just do your rise and fall because you need that in the ballroom.”

On his decision to join Strictly Come Dancing, Ross had previously stated: “From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom – it’s a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show.

“I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes! Let’s give this the best that I can! As my mum always said: “You’ll never know till you give it a go!”

Ross will join a star-studded lineup that also includes Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, George Clarke, and La Voix.

Other participants for this year include EastEnders’ Balvinder Sopal, Chris Robshaw, Ellie Goldstein, Thomas Skinner, Vicky Pattison, and Stefan Dennis.

Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to screens later this month on BBC One.