STRICTLY Come Dancing heart-throb Bobby Brazier has opened up about his close bond with co-star Ellie Leach, gushing about her parents – but admits that he was on his own for Valentine’s Day.
It comes after the actor, who returns to filming on EastEnders tomorrow in his role of Freddie Slater, grew close to the glitterball trophy winner during the live tour.
Speaking at the TV Choice Awards on Monday he said: “I made good friends with Ellie.
“We spent a lot of time together on the tour, which I love because we were just always pretty close to each other, but that’s all.
‘Crazy, party person’
“I hope to stay in touch with her. I met her parents too, they’re brilliant.
“The tour was always fun backstage, it was like one big party and we got to become better friends with people.”
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Admitting he has been inundated with female attention, he said: “It’s either ten-year-old girls who are really excited to see me, or 80-year-old nans who are really excited to see me — and there’s not much in between.”
Asked what he did for Valentine’s Day, Bobby revealed he was on his tod, saying: “I was on my own eating watermelon and watching TV,” mysteriously adding: “I’m all about love.”
Despite his new dancing skills, Bobby said of his ambitions: “I’m focusing on acting.
“My dream role would be a nice romantic film or like a crazy, party person, starring in a movie like The Hangover, which would be fun to watch.
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“My favourite actor is Joaquin Phoenix, who played The Joker. He’s unbelievable.
“I can’t wait to go back to EastEnders. I go back on Monday. I’ve really missed everyone.”
Bobby, who was partnered with Aussie pro dancer Dianne Buswell, revealed she gave his famous dad Jeff a twirl.
He said: “Dad’s got great rhythm. Diane got him in hold once and she said that he was good.”
Maybe he’ll follow Bobby on to Strictly . . .
CAUGHT LIVE: The Picture Of Dorian Gray, Theatre Royal Haymarket
IN an age of lip fillers and phone filters, this stage version of the OSCAR WILDE novel is certainly fitting.
The gothic tale is brought to life by Succession star Sarah Snook who, for nearly two hours, plays all 26 characters in Kip Williams’ adaptation.
Yet it is not just wigs and props that allow Sarah to shape-shift but clever camera trickery which, at one point, sees her at a dinner party with six other forms of herself.
Some theatre snobs may mock the Elvis-style quiff and camp costumes, but Sarah’s impeccable comic timing and ability to connect with the audience (as well as her other selves) can’t be scoffed at.
And, as Wilde said, there is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about – and that is not being talked about.
Rita makes the cut as TV co-host
RITA Ora looked chic in a cut-out top in New York City.
The I Will Never Let You Down singer flaunted her toned physique in an off-shoulder all-black ensemble that flashed a glimpse of her abs outside NBC Studios on Thursday.
Rita posed after filling in as a last-minute guest host on US show Today With Hoda And Jenna amid reports Kelly Rowland walked off over dressing room issues.
Posting on Insta, Rita wrote: “Well, this happened! We had two minutes to prepare ahhh, thank you Today With Hoda & Jenna for asking me to co-host the show.
“Love to everyone that tuned in, maybe we should do more??!!!”
Looks like Rita saved the day.
Babes in plan for film tale
THE SUGABABES have revealed they want to make a film of their rise to fame – after turning down a lucrative offer for a docuseries.
Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy said they would be up for taking a trip down memory lane, including their rocky history with former band members.
Keisha told me at the MOBOs: “If the applause is loud enough and people will scream loud enough, then maybe we will.
“We have a lot of things that have been going on in our lives but, yeah, our story is lit by the way. It is the whole shebang.”
Mutya added: “If it was a film I would have to pick someone very wise to come and play me.”
Meanwhile the girls teased that they have new music dropping soon – 24 years after they burst on to the pop scene with debut single Overload.
Asked when it can be expected to drop, Mutya said simply: “Soon, baby, soon.”
Harry has kind traits
THE Traitors winner Harry Clark has kept his word and given a chunk of his £95k winnings to his family.
The ex Army engineer, who triumphed on the BBC One show last month, helped his parents pay off their debts.
This almost makes up for hoodwinking his teammate Mollie Pearce in the finale.
The rising star also opened up about his plans for the future, saying “I’d love to do I’m A Celeb or Strictly Come Dancing as my parents love it.”
Gushing about his girlfriend, TV presenter Anna Maynard – lil’ sis of singer Conor – he added “Anna didn’t mind me lying on the Traitors.
“She supported me the whole way through.”
Nort-y… but nice
JUST in case any single lasses reading this happen to be on A-list dating app Raya, here’s newly available James Norton’s dating profile to look out for.
The Happy Valley villain, who recently split from his actress fiancée Imogen Poots, showcases several moody black and white snaps, including this brooding selfie and a shot of his tufty chest.
As well as informing potential matches that he’s based in London, but grew up in York, he chooses late US country folk singer John Prine’s ditty In Spite Of Ourselves as his theme tune.
Ladies, you’re welcome . . .
CAUGHT LIVE: Plaza Suite, Savoy Theatre, London
FRESH from its run on Broadway, husband-and-wife duo Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick treat West End audiences to a trio of relationship tales from Neil Simon’s laid back 1968 comedy.
While retro, the couples’ stories provide delicious, timeless escapism set in the decadent confines of a luxury New York suite.
Moments of sadness are interspersed with laugh-out-loud gags from the audience and slapstick scenes.
With their 27 years of marriage, the chemistry between the spouses was palpable, I even caught SJP stifling a giggle at her hubby’s apt comic timing.
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Such was their seamless rapport it genuinely felt like we, the audience, were peaking through the keyhole into their hotel room.
Not only an absolute must for Sex And The City fans who know Sarah best as icon Carrie Bradshaw, but an unmissable event for theatre buffs.
