Strictly star Ross King confessed to his ‘lack of moves’ whilst back in Glasgow ahead of his debut on the BBC dance contest this month.
Ross King at The Collector’s Hall launch in Glasgow(Image: Paul Campbell)
Strictly Come Dancing star Ross King has opened up about how he is feeling about his ballroom debut later this month. In the midst of gruelling rehearsals for the BBC show, which will return to screens for its 23rd season in the coming weeks, the 63-year-old has made time to pay a visit to his home city of Glasgow.
The ITV Lorraine star admitted to his ‘lack of moves’ and said he is feeling ‘nervous’ to take to the ballroom floor with his unrevealed pro pairing on Strictly. Speaking at the opening of The Collector’s Hall Launch in George Street, King told the Record: “I’m nervous, I’m excited, I’m looking forward to the training and learning a new skill. It’s a nervous joy, a manic joy but loving every minute.”
King, who currently resides in LA with his American girlfriend Briggite, has kept tight-lipped on which Strictly pro he has been paired with for the BBC dance contest. However, one thing he was very vocal about was his delight to be representing Scotland on the show and his love for his home country.
Speaking about his arrival back in Glasgow, he said: “People have been so so kind, at the airport someone shouted at me ‘Aye Strictly Nae Dancing’ so he’s obviously seen my lack of moves.” He added:”I didn’t realise just how big Strictly was before I came from LA. Also what a lovely pressure it is that I’m representing Scotland.
Ross King will make his Strictly debut this month(Image: BBC)
“Glasgow will always be home and to get the support of people here has already been amazing.”
Ross, 63, was not the only Strictly star to attend the opening night of Glasgow’s newest wedding and events space on Friday August 29 as Dr Punam Krishan was also at the glamorous launch evening.
The Scots star, who appeared on last year’s season of Strictly alongside her former dance partner, Gorka Márquez, was likely to be giving Ross some advice ahead of his ballroom debut.
However, it seems Punam is maybe not the best person to take dancing advice from as she told the Record: “Oh, I love dancing. I thought I would have picked up loads of skills, but honestly, I still just dance around the kitchen. It feels like I’ve learned nothing very ‘Strictly’ at all.”
Join the Daily Record’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Sharing her enthusiasm for the upcoming season, Punam told the Record: “I’m so excited. The thing is, before I did it, I was such a super fan. So I feel like now I’m getting to watch it again with a whole other world of insight. The excitement is like trebled, if that was possible.”
The 2025 Strictly Come Dancing contestants who will star alongside Ross King include Lewis Cope, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke, La Voix, Chris Robshaw, Ellie Goldstein, Thomas Skinner, Vicky Pattison, Stefan Dennis and Karen Carney.
Ross King with Strictly’s Dr Punam Krishan(Image: TAKT Agency/Paul Campbell)
Ross and Punam posed for snaps together at the glitzy event, one of which saw King clasping hands with Punam in a dance position in a nod to his upcoming Strictly appearance.
Taking to Instagram to share the snap, he wrote: “@thecollectorshall – Great to be back in Glasgow for the launch of The Collector’s Hall. Breathing life back in Glasgow! People do truly make Glasgow.
Punam replied: “Such a great night and remember, you’ve got this!”, alongside a dancing emoji.
The Collector’s Hall grand opening, which is attached to the AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow, took place on Friday, August 29 with a whole host of famous faces showing up to celebrate the launch including Helen Flanagan, Love Island’s Ekin Su and Channel 4 presenter, Jean Johansson, who hosted the evening.
The Grade A listed building has been restored into a modern events venue, blending vaulted ceilings and stone archways with contemporary design. Its Main Hall seats up to 120 guests, while the adjoining glass-covered Courtyard is ideal for receptions.
With 240 hotel bedrooms directly connected, The Collector’s Hall offers a unique city-centre setting for weddings and events.