Bobby, Jamie and Emma with Strictly Christmas special logo
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Strictly Christmas special: EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick told to ‘just enjoy’ stint on show by Bobby Brazier

He'll be strutting his stuff on Christmas day!

Jamie Borthwick has let slip the advice he’s been given from his EastEnders co-stars – ahead of his stint on the Strictly 2023 Christmas special.

The actor will be taking to the dance floor on Christmas Day for the show’s annual festive episode. Jamie will be joining the likes of BBC Breakfast’s Sally Nugent and rugby player Danny Cipriani, as they show off their best moves.

And it turns out Jamie was given some tips by his soap co-stars who have previously taken part in the glitzy BBC One show.

Jamie Borthwick on Strictly Christmas Special
Jamie is known to soap fans (Credit: BBC)

Strictly 2023 Christmas special star Jamie

As fans will know, Jamie’s EastEnders co-star Bobby Brazier, who plays Freddie Slater, appeared in this year’s series.

Partnered with Dianne Buswell, the pair set the dance floor on fire and made it all the way to the final – but were beaten by Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.

In a new interview, Jamie has revealed the tips his EastEnders cos-star gave him, as he prepares to make his Strictly debut.

Dianne Buswell and Bobby Brazier on Strictly
Dianne and Bobby missed out on the trophy this year (Credit: BBC)

Strictly 2023 star Bobby Brazier’s advice for Jamie

Speaking to What To Watch, the soap star said Bobby “absolutely smashed” it on this year’s series of Strictly.

When asked if he gave him any tips for the show, Jamie replied: “He said the same as everyone else. Which is that Strictly is an amazing experience, the people are wonderful and I should just enjoy it.”

Jamie then admitted how he feels he has a “free pass to have a good time,” because he hasn’t got the “pressure” of the main show.

He went on: “Everyone speaks so highly of the show. And I definitely understand the thrill of dancing among the pros. I’ve really had the best time so far.”

Emma Barton laughs during an appearance on Lorraine
Emma appeared on Strictly in 2019 (Credit: Lorraine YouTube)

EastEnders Honey star shares tips for Jamie

But Bobby wasn’t the only EastEnders star to dish out the advice to Jamie. Their co-star Emma Barton also had some advice for Jamie.

According to Jamie, Emma, who plays Honey Mitchell, said: “’Just you wait until it’s time for a spray tan!’. I told her I didn’t want one, but once you enter the Strictly bubble you think, ‘Why not?!'”

Emma took part in the show back in 2019 and was partnered with Anton Du Beke. The pair made it all the way to the grand final.

Read more: Strictly Christmas Special: Danny Cipriani admits being paired with Jowita has been a ‘whirlwind’ experience

The Strictly Christmas special airs at 4.40pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.

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Joey Crutchley
Freelance Writer