The Strictly Come Dancing star underwent surgery for his sudden health issue, but has thankfully made a full recovery
A fresh batch of celebrities are taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Graeme Hall displayed his dancing skills on the floor alongside partner Lauren Oakley last week, securing 24 out of 40 points for his performance. The 59-year-old is familiar with Ballroom and Latin, having previously danced the styles briefly before participating in Strictly Northampton, an annual charitable event.
Regrettably for Graeme, widely recognised as The Dogfather, he was forced to abandon dancing after becoming unwell suddenly. Speaking to Heat Magazine, he said: “It was all good fun but I stopped because I had a stroke in 2019. I recovered fully, but had to have an operation as they discovered I had a hole in my heart that caused it. They patched that up and I’m back to fitness.”
Describing his unexpected health crisis as “a heck of a shock”, he explained the experience taught him the value of life.
“There is life after things like strokes and life-changing events. You pick yourself up and off you go,” he added.
Graeme ensures fitness remains a priority within his hectic schedule. He revealed to the publication that he has shed 11 kilograms since February through regular gym sessions, combining his workouts with weights and compound exercises.
“Little did I know that was going to be important,” he added, referring to Strictly. “Those lifts seem scary to me. I’ve never done anything like that before.”
Last week, Graeme and Lauren delivered a Cha Cha Cha to Hound Dog (Smokey Joe’s Café version), positioning them fifth on the leaderboard.
Following the performance, host Emma Willis observed that all four judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke – were beaming from ear to ear.
Motsi told Graeme: “We’ve got a smile because we love your vibe,” before revealing she “loved” the routine and commending the contestant for his hard work.
Anton also described the dance as “super”, while notoriously harsh judge Craig Revel Horwood said he enjoyed the performance and applauded Graeme for his careful attention to technique.
Shirley mirrored Craig and Motsi’s enthusiasm for the routine, stating: “That was full of Cha Cha content, that is exactly what we’re talking about.”
She continued by describing him as “a master of his craft” in his professional field, while also branding him “an amazing student”, insisting she could see that he had genuinely absorbed Lauren’s guidance.
Graeme is vying for the Glitterball trophy alongside 14 other celebrity contestants: Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Melanie Walters, Dame Sarah Storey, Will Best, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Tabby Stoecker, Lawrence Robb and John Nellis.
This week, all 15 dancing couples will return to the dance floor for Movie Week.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One
