BREAKING NEWS: Strictly star Lawrence Robb on his Glasgow roots and dancefloor fears
Growing up in a rural village in the west of Scotland, Lawrence Robb admits he was “wrapped in cotton wool” for much of his childhood.
“My formative years were spent in Kilmacolm, I didn’t really even go to Glasgow until I was about 15,” he says.
“I guess that was the start of a different chapter, when you start to figure out who you are and become a young man rather than a young boy.”
He adds: “And after moving to school in Glasgow, I went to drama school, then London almost immediately … big changes. But I don’t remember feeling daunted by it.”
Lawrence Robb (Image: Lawrence Robb)
Chatting to the Glasgow Times via video call from his London home, Lawrence – West End actor, Emmerdale star and now a member of the Strictly Come Dancing Class of 2026 – admits he is “terrified” about the prospect of braving the glittery dancefloor when the new series begins tonight (Saturday, September 19.)
He will not be the only one. The latest series of the BBC show has new hosts – Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe – following the shock departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year.
Strictly’s newhosts Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, with judges Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. (Image: Ray Burmiston/BBC Creative)
In a recent Radio Times interview, the trio admitted their stress levels were high.
“It doesn’t matter how much telly you’ve done, we’re talking about a show that’s incredibly loved,” said Willis. “We’re stepping into the shoes of two presenters who are adored, which is terrifying.”
Lawrence can relate, he says, with a gulp.
Lawrence Robb (Image: BBC)
“I’ve never felt a feeling like it,” he says, looking a little dazed. “Since it was announced, it has just been so kick-b****cks-scramble, if I can use that term. It is surreal, overwhelming, anxiety-inducing, exciting.” He exhales. “So many feelings.”
He is not a “religious watcher” of the show, he admits. “I do have lots of lovely memories though of watching it growing up, with my mum,” he explains.
“My mum is the biggest Strictly fan in the world.”
Lawrence Robb with his girlfriend Pamela Blair and dog Chilli (Image: Lawrence Robb)
Lawrence adds: “I know it is hugely popular and loved though, and that adds to the overwhelming nature of it. There’s a lot riding on it, and that’s part and parcel of the pressure that comes with doing Strictly, but it’s also very cool.”
Lawrence was a pupil at Scottish private school St Columba’s in Kilmacolm until his fifth year, when he moved to Knightswood Secondary in Glasgow to join the Dance School of Scotland.
Lawrence Robb (Image: Lawrence Robb)
Inevitably, this has already sparked comment among some online commentators, because with every series of Strictly comes the great Previous Dance Experience debate. Lawrence is quick to shut down speculation, however.
“Okay, so, am I first up on the dance floor at a wedding? Absolutely,” he says, nodding. “But as for my dance experience, I did the musical theatre course at Knightswood, which is kind of a separate school within the Dance School itself.
“The stuff I did was not even close to the same level as what the dancer kids were doing, and me saying it was would be an insult to them and, indeed, the pros I am going to be dancing with.”
He laughs. “I can give you a solid step click, that’s about it,” he says, grinning. “And I know nothing about any of the dances. But I’m excited to get started.”
Lawrence’s life changed when he landed the role of Mackenzie Boyd on ITV soap Emmerdale.
The show’s fans might lap up Lawrence’s social media posts now, but they did not love Mack to start with, says the actor, wryly.
“They hated him,” he says, with a short laugh. “I have had some great storylines over the last six years, and I consider myself very fortunate.”
He would love to “do something Scottish” in the future, he says.
“I did a panto in Glasgow, and I have been seen for a couple of relatively big Scottish theatre shows – came close, but no cigar,” he says.
“Scotland will always be home whether I live there or not, so I’d love to work there at some point in the future.”
Lawrence is very close to his parents – dad Iain, who runs Robb Residential estate agency in Glasgow, and mum Claire, who used to run a flower shop in Kilmacolm and now works in a local café – and siblings: sister Abi, and brothers JJ and Mitch. All are rooting for him, he says, and his mum is “beside herself.”
“She is absolutely cock-a-hoop,” he says. “She cried twice – once when I told her I might be doing Strictly and then again when I said it was definite.
“She is having a Strictly-themed party on the launch night, and then probably every night. My dad has never watched the show, but he will this year.”
He grins. “Because my mum will tell him to.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to iPlayer and BBC One from 7.25pm on Saturday, September 19, airing every weekend until December.
