Strictly set for stardom!
Kelvin’s got his sights on the big screen after grabbing the glitterball
HE lifted the Strictly glitterball trophy on Saturday, to the joy of his many new fans.
Now actor Kelvin Fletcher hopes his victory will see things pick up in his professional career too.
The 35-year-old father of two said: ‘As an actor I’ve loved dancing but for me drama and film is where I want to be and what I want to do. Hopefully this has given me an opportunity for people to see me in a different light.
‘I am confident that I can get back into the acting world and continue to push. Who knows what the future brings?’
Asked about taking up potential roles on the London stage, he said: ‘I think the West End is fantastic but for me TV and drama is where I want to be and what I want to do.’
Fletcher played Andy Sugden in ITV soap Emmerdale for 20 years until 2016. This Christmas he had been due to tread the boards at the St Helens Theatre Royal as the lead in this year’s panto, playing Aladdin.
But one phone call changed all that. At the 11th hour he was asked to join this year’s Strictly after reality TV star Jamie Laing, 31, was forced to pull out with an injured foot after the opening episode.
Fletcher – who was replaced in Aladdin by former Strictly professional Robin Windsor – went on to wow the judges week after week with his sizzling hip action alongside partner Oti Mabuse, 29.
He is now expected to land a six-figure windfall as a result of his victory; previous winners are said to have waltzed away with £100,0000 in appearance money.
As well as his earnings from the show, he is also set to boost his income with inevitable offers for acting work across TV and film, as well as commercial endorsements and personal appearances in the coming weeks.
Fletcher, who defeated EastEnders actress Emma Barton and Anton Du Beke and children’s TV presenter Karim Zeroual and Amy Dowden in the final, had been hotly tipped to win the 17th series throughout.
He had cemented his place as a fan favourite with a samba that left viewers hot under the collar in week one – and he did just the same in the final.
Fletcher admitted not usually being the first on the dance floor. He said: ‘It always takes a few beers to get me up there. Dancing for me is an amazing way to express yourself. I think it’s a beautiful thing to watch and a beautiful thing to do.’
The final was watched by an average of 11.3million on Saturday, the BBC said, with a peak audience of 12.5million.