Karim: ‘I’d love a role in the West End’
The Strictly runner-up talks re-donning his dancing shoes and heading on tour
‘It’s great to be dancing with Amy again’
He dazzled us all on last year’s Strictly, earning the first 40 of the series for that jive, pirouetting into the final, and missing out on lifting the Glitter Ball trophy by a whisker. But Karim Zeroual, 26, is happy with his runner-up status. In fact, as far as he’s concerned, he won the thing – not least because he got to dance with Strictly pro (and new BFF) Amy Dowden. And the CBBC presenter is beyond excited about doing it all again on the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing arena tour, which kicks off this week. Sitting down with heat during rehearsals, Karim and Amy tell us they can’ t wait to rock the stadium.
How does it feel to be back? Karim: It’s amazing! I’ve been relaxing, giving my body a rest, but it’s great to be dancing with Amy again. Amy: He hasn’t forgotten a thing. Which dances are you bringing back? A: We’re doing the quickstep and the jive – both dances got a 40. K: They’re such audience go-getters, and I’ve got amazing costumes. We have very quick hair and make-up changes – but we’re used to that from the live final. That felt crazy, it was so showbiz.
Are you nervous about performing live every day? K: No. What I loved most on Strictly was the performance part – going out on a Saturday and showing people how hard you’ve worked. I’m so excited to have that feeling every day. A: I can’t wait for Karim to experience what it’s like to perform in arenas – it’s such an adrenaline rush. They do a countdown, and you literally hear 10,000 fans screaming and stamping their feet. Honestly, it’s so special. Do you plan to keep performing after the tour ends? K: Well, I love doing TV, but dance is definitely another string to my bow now. I used to perform on the West End when I was younger, and I’d love to do it again, but only if the right role came up. Either way, me and Amy will still meet up and dance. ■
Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour runs from 16 January to 9 February. For more info, visit Strictlycomedancinglive.com