Hits Radio's Sam Thompson is 'more nervous than Zara' ahead of the new series of Strictly

His girlfriend Zara McDermott is taking part this year

Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 15th Sep 2023
Last updated 15th Sep 2023

Love Island star and girlfriend of our very own Sam Thompson will be taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, set to start on Saturday night (16th September). Now, ahead of the show, Sam has admitted on Hits UK, that he is "more nervous" than his girlfriend.

Speaking on Hits Radio on Thursday (14th September), Sam opened up to his listeners admitting: "I feel like I’m more nervous than Zara is. I’m not doing it, but you just want someone to do well so badly that I’m almost more nervous. It’s going to be so good though - she’s already started training and has mad blisters on her feet. She’s really going through it and giving everything to it."

Proud boyfriend, and Hits Radio presenter Sam, said he's looking forward to the launch show and everyone finding out who Zara’s professional partner is, explaining: "It’s such a family show, and now I get to watch it and one of my loved ones is in it. She gets to wear her first outfit and the fake tan will be going on. I imagine there’s sparkles on the dress, there will be heels and all sorts of bells and whistles."

Take a look through all the celebrities taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year:

Ellie Leach - WINNER

Age: 22
Known for: Coronation Street actress

Layton Williams - FINALIST

Age: 28
Known for: Actor/West End star

Bobby Brazier - FINALIST

Age: 20
Known for: EastEnders actor

Annabel Croft - ELIMINATED

Age: 57
Known for: Former professional tennis player

Nigel Harman - QUIT

Age: 49
Known for: Actor

Angela Rippon - ELIMINATED

Age: 78
Known for: Journalist/TV presenter

Amanda Abbington - QUIT

Age: 49
Known for: Actress

Angela Scanlon - ELIMINATED

Age: 39
Known for: Irish TV presenter

Krishan Guru-Murthy - ELIMINATED

Age: 53
Known for: Journalist/News reader

Adam Thomas - ELIMINATED

Age: 34
Known for: Actor

Zara McDermott - ELIMINATED

Age: 26
Known for: Former Love Island contestant and TV presenter

Eddie Kadi - ELIMINATED

Age: 40
Known for: Comedian/Radio DJ

Jody Cundy - ELIMINATED

Age: 45
Known for: Gold medallist Paralympian

Nikita Kanda - ELIMINATED

Age: Unknown
Known for: Radio DJ

Les Dennis - ELIMINATED

Age: 69
Known for: TV presenter, comedian and actor
Eliminated in Week Two

Despite the official pairings not being released, Hits Radio presenter Fleur East, who is also co-hosting the spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two, has seen the celebs and professionals practising for the launch show. She revealed earlier this month that there are some dark horses.

"Being part of the It Takes Two team means I’ve been behind the scenes for some access all areas backstage news and gossip," she explained. "I have seen all the celebs and all the pros dancing together and I’ve witnessed a secret salsa!

"I’ve seen all the couples so I know who’s coupled up, and there’s not too much I can give away, but there are some amazing dancers and it’s not the ones you’re going to expect are amazing it’s the ones you’re probably overlooking right now."

When is Sam Thompson on Hits Radio?

Listen to Sam Thompson on his Hits UK show on Hits Radio, Monday to Thursday from 7pm.

Now read:

Everything you need to know about our radio presenter Sam Thompson

Sam Thompson catches up with the biggest stars

Zara McDermott announced as seventh Strictly Come Dancing contestant

How to listen to Hits Radio:

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.