Bobby Brazier has revealed he plans to dedicate one of his Strictly Come Dancing routines to his late mother Jade Goody.
The EastEnders star, 20, is set to make his dancefloor debut on Saturday, September 23, when his professional partner will be revealed.
While he’s still getting to grips with finding his feet, Bobby confessed that he’s already thinking about his future routines.
Speaking exclusively to MailOnline at Tuesday’s National Television Awards, Bobby revealed the songs he wants to dance to on the show.
He said: ‘There’s a few – it depends on the mood. Saturday Love and also This Woman’s Worth by Maxwell – that would be beautiful, I’d hope to make people cry doing that.’
Sweet: Speaking to MailOnline at Tuesday’s NTAs, Bobby Brazier revealed he plans to dedicate one of his Strictly Come Dancing routines to his late mother Jade Goody
Bobby added: ‘Maybe I’ll dedicate that one [to my mum]. I haven’t thought about it, but maybe that one.’
The actor was just five-years-old, and his brother Freddie, four, when Jade Goody passed away on Mother’s Day, 2009, following a battle with cervical cancer.
Bobby, who revealed he’d been warned by friends and family ‘not to be distracted by women on the show’, went on to share his thoughts on the Strictly curse.
He explained: ‘I know everybody who has a relationship there – they’re in love. I don’t have any intention to be a homewrecker at all!
‘I’m looking for a big sister and a lovely relationship.’
Speaking about the gruelling training, he added: ‘It’s been a roller coaster! I’ve had my moments. It’s fun, but it’s hard.
‘Having to lift people and dance is a kind of exercise my body is not used to. My body is not used to any exercise up until recently.’
While Bobby is keeping busy with his Strictly rehearsals and EastEnders filming he didn’t rule out a return to modelling, having previously worked for brands such as Dolce and Gabbana.
He reasoned: ‘I’ve done a few things. I don’t know, you never know. That world is very last minute. I don’t mind. I’m happy doing what I’m doing.’
Moments before his chat with MailOnline, Bobby picked up the Rising Star award at the live NTAs and thanked his father Jeff for the support he has shown him over the years during his acceptance speech.
He said: ‘This actually has very, very, very little to do with me and everything to do with my Dad. Over the course of the last 20 years, I’ve consistently heard him say “because I can”.
‘It was a mantra, or a motto of his. And him just saying that – because I can! Why not?’
The soap star later told MailOnline that he planned to give his father the award as thanks.
Tragic: The actor was just five-years-old, and his brother Freddie, four, when Jade Goody passed away on Mother’s Day, 2009, following a battle with cervical cancer (pictured in 2006)
Bobby said of Strictly training: ‘ It’s been a roller coaster! I’ve had my moments. It’s fun, but it’s hard. Having to lift people and dance is a kind of exercise my body is not used to’
Jeff famously brought up his sons singlehandedly when their mother died.
Jade’s death, like much of her life, was in the full glare of the media spotlight and saw her give heart-wrenching interviews in the weeks leading up to it as she enjoyed her last outings with Bobby and his brother Freddie.
Away from the cameras, Jade’s ex-partner found himself a single father to his boys, then aged five and four, and vowed to give them the best start possible.
Instead of attending her funeral, Jeff took the boys away to stay with family in Adelaide, south Australia, to escape the media attention.
He said: ‘It was always our priority, we wanted to do everything right for the kids and that was the case right up until the moment, and it didn’t stop at that point.
‘That’s when the boys really needed us to be on each other’s side and we were.’
Jade and Jeff welcomed their first son Bobby in 2003, followed by Freddie in 2004 and split after two years together, while she was pregnant with their youngest child.
Jade went on to marry reality TV star Jack Tweed, just one month before her tragic death, signing a £700,000 exclusive deal with OK magazine for rights to the photos.
Bobby’s fans will be able to see Bobby on Strictly when it returns to screens on Saturday, September 23.
The series, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, will run for 13 weeks and is set to conclude with the live final on December 16.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
Les Dennis
Age: 69
Profession: Actor and game show host
Les says: ‘I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.’