CBBC English teacher star is aiming to comma good
STRICTLY Come Dancing bosses are always keen to chase younger viewers. But maybe some of those who are fans of the show’s newest contestant may already be in bed when the opening credits roll.
CBBC’s Karim Zeroual is best known for making educational videos for children aged FIVE. But Karim, 19, certainly should be good at coming to a full stop at the end of a dance – and if his routine in training is imperfect and tense he’ll surely know how to put that right.
Because his main job making clips for the BBC’s Bitesize series is explaining the use of basic grammar to primary pupils studying for Key Stage 1
English tests.
FURRY
He appears in the films on Auntie’s website alongside a furry puppet called Hacker T Dog.
However, his announcement was met with little excitement by many
Strictly viewers, involving the use of question marks. One fan online simply wrote: “Who?” Another joked: “Presumably they were priced out of getting Mr Tumble.”
Karim joins another unknown, YouTuber Saffron Barker, as well as more famous faces like footballer David James and former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley. Unable to contain his excitement at joining the show, Karim said yesterday: “To be offered the chance to take part in Strictly is dumbfounding, I’m pinching myself.
“I want the lot. The skimpiest of clothes, the widest of flares, the brightest of colours and the tallest Cuban heel a guy can find. The more flamboyant the better.”
Karim joined the Beeb’s children’s channel CBBC five years ago.
He started his career as a child in West End shows including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium, and The Lion King.
FAMOUS
His TV credits include a single episode of EastEnders which aired 13 years ago and a stint on kids show The Sparticle Mystery. He grew up in London and his family are of Moroccan descent.
He attended the famous Sylvia Young Theatre School. Its famous graduates include Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson, Dua Lipa, fellow pop star Rita Ora and the late Amy Winehouse.
Other celebs in this year’s Strictly include fellow lesser-known hopefuls in the shape of comedian Chris Ramsey, EastEnders’ Emma Barton and BBC sports presenter Mark Bushell.