Strictly Come Dancing hopeful Hamza Yassin believes his dyslexia could prove to be a secret weapon as he competes for the glitter ball trophy.
Describing the condition as “a gift”, the Countryfile star said it might help him to remember the steps during training sessions with his professional partner.
"I think in 3D, I think in pictures, I have a photographic memory and that is all due to my dyslexia,” he explained.
Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza was diagnosed as a teen and wants to give hope to other youngsters who are struggling.
Far from thinking it has held him back, he credits it with helping him forge his successful TV career.
"l truly believe my dyslexia is my gift and I am the man I am now because of it. If I can connect with one struggling kid who thinks he or she is not going to be anybody, if that kid can say, look at Hamza, he has dyslexia but he is living his dream, I'd be happy.”
He added: “If I can do it anyone can. Dyslexia is not a hindrance, it is a gift.”
Around 6.3million Brits - 10% of the adult population - suffer from dyslexia, which affects the ability to read and write.
The 32-year-old is still pinching himself to be appearing on the series.
"Never in a million years did I think I'd be on such a cool show. I've been watching it for years and I can't believe I'll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public.”
He describes his dance skills as being ‘1970's disco vibe’, adding: “I'm ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance - shake it 'til you make it."
Hamza moved to the UK from Sudan aged eight after his medic parents were invited to work in the country by the Royal College of Medicine.
His dyslexia was spotted by a teacher, who arranged support which resulted in Hamza turning around his grades and his life.
He has since received an honorary master of science degree, to add to the degree in zoology with conservation which he gained in 2011 and a further masters degree in biological photography and imaging
Hamza also thinks the traditional Scottish dancing he has learned over the past decade, while living in the Highlands, could prove useful. “It was really good to have had that rhythm built into me,” he said.
Along with many of the other stars, he is feeling nervous. Comedy actor Ellie Taylor joked: “I’m choosing to ignore the fact that I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe.”
And pop star Matt Goss quipped he is likely to do well. “I'm optimistic because I'm very supple from the knees down.”
The pre-recorded launch show airs on Friday September 23 on BBC1 with the first live programme the following night. The first exit from the ballroom will come on Sunday October 2.
