SHOCKING NEWS: Strictly’s Graeme Hall says ‘you’re on’ as he makes semi-final promise on-air
Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly star Graeme Hall has made a bold promise ahead of his Strictly Come Dancing debut after admitting he plans to enjoy every moment of the experience.
The 59-year-old television personality, known to viewers as “The Dogfather”, is swapping four-legged clients for the BBC ballroom as he joins the 2026 celebrity line-up.
Ahead of the launch show, Graeme appeared on James Martin’s Saturday Morning to discuss what lies ahead as he prepares to discover which professional dancer he has been paired with.
Graeme admitted he knows appearing on Strictly can boost a celebrity’s profile, but insisted that is not the main reason he accepted the opportunity.
“I love the show, I can’t wait, it’ll be great!” he said.
“This is my thinking, I’ve had a couple of people say, ‘What do you want to get out of it?’ I know these things are good for your career.”
But he added that simply being chosen to take part felt special.
Graeme Says He Wants to Enjoy Every Minute
Graeme reflected on how relatively few people ever get the chance to compete on Strictly Come Dancing.
He pointed out that the programme is now in its 24th series and features only 15 celebrities each year.
“In the whole wide world, that’s not a lot of people who have been given the chance to do what I’m doing,” he said.
“So, I’m going to love every minute and long may it last.”
James Martin, who competed on Strictly himself and reached the semi-finals in 2005, warned Graeme that he may not yet realise just how much the programme could change his life.
“I am going to chat to you in about six months’ time and say, ‘You could’ve said no!’” James joked.
“You don’t even know what you’re about to be entered into.”
He then teased Graeme about his familiar appearance, suggesting his trademark style could look very different after weeks in the Strictly wardrobe department.
“You’ve got jeans, you’ve got turn-ups, that’s your trademark look, you’re going to come back looking like Liberace!” James said.
“You’re going to be a changed fella, I tell you.”
Graeme Makes Wardrobe Demand
Graeme revealed he has already spoken to the show’s wardrobe team about one type of costume he would rather avoid.
He specifically mentioned the revealing Latin shirts occasionally worn by male contestants, which can be open down the chest.
“Nobody needs to see that!” he joked.
“I’m a man of a certain age!”
The conversation quickly turned into a challenge, however.
Danny O’Donoghue of The Script joked that Graeme might feel differently if he found himself reaching the later stages of the competition and asking viewers to vote for him.
When another person on the programme asked whether he would agree to wear such an outfit if he reached the semi-final, Graeme made a clear promise.
“I tell you what, if I get to the semi-final, you’re on,” he said.
“I’ll do that!”
That means viewers could eventually see Graeme embracing a much more daring Strictly look if he manages to survive deep into the competition.
Craig Revel Horwood Surprised by Graeme
Although Graeme is entering the programme without knowing exactly what audiences will make of his dancing, he has already received some encouraging words from judge Craig Revel Horwood.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast ahead of the launch show, Craig was asked which contestants had stood out to him during the pre-recorded programme.
He first highlighted Delta Goodrem.
“I’ve got to say, Delta Goodrum caught my eye, she seems to be very impressive very early on,” Craig said.
But another celebrity also surprised him.
“Another surprise for me was Graeme, the dog guy,” Craig admitted.
“I just went, ‘Wow, he’s not bad’.”
Early Praise Ahead of Strictly Debut
Craig’s comments could give Graeme an early confidence boost as he prepares for his first proper routines.
The judge made clear that he had not expected Graeme to make such an immediate impression during the launch show.
He added: “I’m really looking forward to it. I think we’re going to have a great competition.”
For now, viewers will have to wait to discover which professional dancer Graeme has been partnered with.
What is already clear, however, is that he intends to make the most of his opportunity.
From accepting the challenge simply because so few people ever get the chance, to promising a daring costume if he reaches the semi-final, Graeme appears ready to throw himself into the full Strictly experience.
And after earning an unexpected “Wow, he’s not bad” from Craig Revel Horwood before the competition has properly begun, “The Dogfather” may already have given viewers one reason to keep a close eye on his ballroom journey.
