Strictly hopeful Tyler West says he’s dancing for the woman in his life – his mum.
The radio and TV presenter has dedicated his performance to NHS worker Debbie, who raised him and his brother alone after their dad walked out when they were kids.
Tyler, 26, who has been paired with pro dancer Dianne Buswell, has even moved back in with his mum while he does the show.
He said: “When this came around, it was such a big thing for me and my mum. She’s a huge fan. I’m doing it for you, mum.”
Tyler’s Strictly preparations were thrown into chaos last month when Debbie, 56, was taken to hospital.
Tyler, who had to call an ambulance for his mum, told how he initially feared the worst and was left terrified by the thought of losing her.
“It was so worrying,” he said. “When you’re running a million miles an hour, it’s that reminder to take a moment, give a phone call to that loved one. There was a moment when I was in the back of the ambulance with the blue lights going.
“They were trying to help my mum and I felt helpless. It was an infection and thankfully she’s all right and back in good health but it was an eye-opener.”
The Kiss FM DJ – who started out on CBBC and has since fronted BBC Three show Flat Out Fabulous – had a tough start in life.
He experienced racism while growing up in Croydon, South London, as his mum, a nurse for 21 years, struggled to make ends meet. She hid her financial woes from Tyler and his brother Lewis, 31.
Tyler said: “I grew up on a pretty racist estate. It prepared me for anything in life.
“The estate wasn’t pleasant – there was a lot of crime – but it made us stronger.”
Tyler credits his mum with keeping him and Lewis on the straight and narrow. “It could have gone either way,” he admitted. “It’s a testament to my mum.”
The single star also hopes his new dance skills could help him find love. “There have been some new people sliding in the DMs,” he revealed. “Could Strictly find me my future wife? Who knows!”
