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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Tom Bryant

Strictly champ Hamza Yassin seen doing 'advanced' dance 12 years ago amid 'novice' row

Footage has emerged of Strictly winner Hamza Yassin doing an “advanced” dance at university 12 years ago – as the BBC yesterday continued to insist he is a novice.

The 32-year-old wildlife presenter was described as having no experience before he won this year’s Glitterball.

But new pictures show him doing a paso doble at Bangor University Dance Club’s end-of-term show in 2010.

A fellow student who took part said: “For the BBC to continue insisting he is a complete novice even when faced with hard evidence in the form of a video of him performing an ‘advanced’ paso doble feels extremely misleading.

Hamza Yassin lifted the Glitterball trophy during Saturday's final of Strictly Come Dancing (BBC/Guy Levy)

“Yet the mistruths were still being aired on Saturday’s show.”

Dance partner Jowita Przystal tearfully told viewers on Saturday night: “He came here on the show with no dancing ­experience, with pigeon toes, and he made it.”

BBC News ran an online article saying the Countryfile host had never had lessons before taking part.

The Mirror revealed on Saturday how he performed a paso doble and a “beginner’s” salsa at the university show.

Clearer footage has emerged since his victory of his polished footwork.

An agent of another star taking part in the BBC One show said it was a “slap in the face”.

They added: “Only Hamza can answer the question as to why in countless interviews he failed to reveal he performed at university.

“Hamza’s alleged ‘novice’ status was a huge factor in his victory.”

The BBC has declined to comment on Hamza’s university dancing.

Hamza’s spokesman said: “He took part in two amateur dance performances.”

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