27 September 2021

University of Westminster alumnus appears on Strictly Come Dancing 2021 as celebrity contestant

Rhys Stephenson, who studied Human and Medical Science at the University of Westminster, is one of 15 celebrities taking part in the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Rhys Stephenson promotional shot for Strictly Come Dancing
Credit: BBC/Ray Burmiston

Rhys Stephenson graduated from the University of Westminster in 2015, and is an actor and children’s TV presenter who is best known for being the face of children’s television channel CBBC. He has also presented notable shows across the CBBC slate including Blue Peter and Saturday Mash-Up!, as well as appearing on The Dengineers and Newsround. 

When he began his studies at Westminster in 2013, Rhys began presenting through his work with Smoke on the student TV channel, where he won an award for Best On-Screen Male at the National Student Television Awards. Upon graduating in 2015, he landed his first job as a presenter at CBBC. He was an active part of the University, including working as a Student Ambassador. 

The multi-award-winning Strictly Come Dancing returned on 18 September to BBC one and BBC iPlayer, and is a television dance contest where celebrities with little or no dance experience partner with professional dancers to compete in a ballroom dance competition. The first live show took place on Saturday 25 September, during which the couples danced together for the first time.

In his first dance with partner Nancy Xu, performing a Viennese waltz, Rhys was awarded a score of 27/40 by the Strictly judges, and was described as “a talent to watch” by judge Shirley Ballas. 

Talking about taking part in the show, Rhys told the BBC: “I am buzzing to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing 2021. I have dreamt about being on this show, and I know for a fact that it is going to exceed every expectation. I cannot wait to experience it all: the costumes, the orchestra, even Craig’s glare! I am ready!”

Strictly Come Dancing will continue this weekend on BBC One.

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