Hamza Yassin  and partner Jowita Przystal are now one of the favourite couples to win Strictly Come Dancing.

In the latest show, Hamza and Jowita placed third after opening the Blackpool special in sophisticated style by performing an elegant American smooth to New York, New York by Frank Sinatra.

North Wales Chronicle: Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal placed third after opening the Strictly Blackpool special in sophisticated style by performing an elegant American smooth to New York, New York by Frank Sinatra.Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal placed third after opening the Strictly Blackpool special in sophisticated style by performing an elegant American smooth to New York, New York by Frank Sinatra. (Image: PA Media)

Dressed in a tail suit, the wildlife cameraman and Bangor University graduate performed dizzying lifts and spins to secure a score of 38.

Ballas tipped him as the one to beat, saying: “Hamza shone brighter than all the baubles and beads and bangles in the world.”

Some bookmakers have now made Hamza 1-3 favourite to win.

Next favourite is Helen Skelton at 4-1.

Of those remaining in the competition, Ted Lasso and Daily Mash star Ellie Taylor is considered an outsider to win with odds of 100-1.

 

Hamza, who studied Zoology with Conservation at Bangor University and received an Honorary Master of Science degree from the university over the summer, has impressed judges in his dances with Jowita.

MORE: Strictly’s Jowita tells Hamza : Blackpool is a ‘special’ place

After the Blackpool show, Hamza tweeted a message of thanks to his dance partner.

He said: "To my leading lady. It was my absolute pleasure to grace the floor of the famous Blackpool Tower with you. I know how much this particular ballroom means to you as a dancer. I want to thank you for your kindness, your patience and your understanding. You are the best!"

The dance competition kicked off its Blackpool special in dazzling fashion with the professional dancers performing amongst the seaside resort’s funfair attractions in a special opening number.

The show opened with a dedication to the area by local people who reflected on the importance of their town’s relationship with the show.

The remaining seven couples will take to the dancefloor next week:

  • Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu 
  • Will Mellor and Nancy Xu 
  • Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima 
  • Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez 
  • Fleur East and Vito Coppola 
  • Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal 
  • Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe 

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday November 26 at 7.15pm, with the results show on Sunday November 27 at 6pm on BBC One.