EastEnders' Jamie Borthwick admits he is not a natural dancer ahead of Strictly Christmas special
Jamie Borthwick tried his best in the ‘Strictly Come Dancing' Christmas special.
The 29-year-old actor - who is best known for playing the role of Jay Brown on BBC One soap opera ‘Eastenders’ - is part of the lineup for the festive edition of the Latin and ballroom show with professional partner Nancy Xu but admitted he is not a natural when it comes to dancing.
Asked if he was a gifted dancer, he said: “No, I am probably a three, a two maybe, and now I’m probably a high six, middle seven.
“I’m a realist, but I am trying. I’d give myself a nine for effort because I have really tried.”
Nancy was quick to add that she didn’t think he was a bad dancer, and insisted he was putting in all of his energy in mastering the skill.
She said: “I would say give yourself a 10 for effort.”
Although the soap star is critical of himself, Jamie has emphasised that he has loved learning to dance with his partner.
He said: “I’ve really enjoyed learning a new skill. Anyone can teach anyone how to do their craft, Nancy can tell me to put my right leg here, and point your toe, but she explains it in a way that I understand. For me that’s the difference between a teacher and a great teacher, and that’s what she has done this whole experience. It’s been a real thrill.”
Jamie and Nancy will be competing against ‘Battlefield Britain host Dan Snow, BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent, rugby hero Danny Cipriani, and CITV star Tillie Amartey to win over the judges and emerge from the Christmas special victorious.
Even though the show is known for its competitive nature, Nancy insisted that there is “no pressure” for her and Jamie to win, and that they “just want to have fun”.
She said: “I’m so excited. This is my fifth year of being a part of Strictly, and I have never done a Christmas special.
“I am in the same mind as Jamie, there is no pressure, its Christmas, we just want to have fun. We sing along while we’re dancing, we just want to bring a lot of joy to the audience and ourselves – we want to invite everyone to our party! I’ve enjoyed this experience so much.”
The ‘Strictly Come Dancing' Christmas special will air on BBC One on 25 December at 4:40pm and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
