Strictlys

BBC star Hamza Yassin hopes to inspire the younger generation with his new film about the birds of prey he discovered in Africa, amid fears children know more about the Kardashians

Strictly Come Dancing winner Hamza Yassin believes natural history is so important that he’d like to see every child studying it in school.

The BBC wildlife cameraman, who has a new BBC special called Hamza Yassin: African Birds of Prey, said that if he was in charge he’d put the subject on the national curriculum.

‘“I’d rather a kid tell me about five different names of trees than the five Kardashians,” he declared. “If I was Prime Minister, I would make it compulsory that we educate the children of this nation about the natural history that we have here in this country and around the world.”

In the documentary, he says he would not make it another subject to be tested on, but something children could experience and discover for themselves. His hope is that the audience, particularly younger viewers, develop the same sense of wonder that has driven his own career.

“The moment that someone knows information about natural history is the moment they will start caring about it. If they know they’re damaging something, they’re more likely to not do it. So yes, 100%, kids need to learn more, and then I can stop being Prime Minister.”

At the heart of Hamza’s film is an emotional journey through Kenya, as he spends six weeks travelling more than 5,000 kilometres and bringing audiences extraordinary access to some of Africa’s most elusive and spectacular birds of prey.

He works with local conservation rangers, scientists, communities and Maasai people who understand how important the wildlife and land are. Hamza, who moved to the UK From Sudan as a child with his family, in 1998, said: “I’m just a guest in their world. It’s Kenyans looking after Kenyan birds. That, for me, is the hope.”

There is also a moving visit to the Soi Sanbu Raptor Centre, where Hamza sees birds being rehabilitated after accidents and injuries, many caused by human intervention, including electrocution and collisions with power cables.

The film take viewers up close to rarely seen and spectacular birds, including African fish eagles, martial eagles, owls, vultures and the elusive African crowned eagle, which the team eventually find on the final day of filming.

One of Hamza’s most memorable encounters is with a young martial eagle known as K9, which had already fledged and needed to be briefly caught so scientists could fit it with a tracking tag.

For me, it was phenomenal to be able to get the chance to hold this chick. Everyone might have held a chicken before. Times it by about four or five. This thing’s huge,” he explained.

The 36-year-old became a household name after winning Strictly with pro partner Jowita Przystał in 2022. He says they are still friends. “I still dance with Jowita every now and then – whenever we get the chance,” he said.

“I’m very busy, but we’re constantly chatting and whenever we meet up she goes, ‘Do you remember the dance?’ I’m like, ‘I think I do.’ ‘You do the counting, I’ll do the steps.’”

– Hamza’s African Birds of Prey, Sunday 30th August, 7pm, BBC1

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly expert Graeme Hall is one of the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing contestants – who was a keen dancer away from his job on-screen until a stroke derailed his hopes

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Graeme Hall has revealed he was previously forced to quit dancing after doctors discovered a hole in his heart. The 59-year-old TV star received his shock diagnosis after initially suffering a stroke – with doctors making the diagnosis after he was rushed to hospital.

Graeme – who is a dog trainer on the hit Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly – feared he would never be able to dance again, but is now thrilled to be taking part in the 2026 season of the long-running BBC reality contest. While he is not a fully trained dancer, Graeme got a taste for the art form after taking part in an amateur competition over a decade ago.

He went on to compete regionally before his health emergency forced him to give up his dancing shoes. Fans will soon be able to see him take to the dancefloor on Strictly when the show returns for its twenty-fourth series with a launch show set to broadcast in September 2026.

Speaking about his past health issues ahead of the new season, Graeme told The Sun: I’d done a local competition called Strictly Northampton in 2012 and loved it so much that I carried it on as a hobby. I started taking part in regional events in church halls and community centres but I had to give up because I had a stroke in 2019.”

He revealed that doctors then found a hole in his heart, which was quickly operated on and the Channel 5 star began his road to recovery. He added: “I was out of action for quite a while and I thought it had brought an end to my dancing.

“I’m fine now but I had to put my dance bag away — now I’ve got it out of the loft and there’s all my kit and practice trousers so I will be using those soon. But if you’d told me in 2019 that I was going to be taking part in the show I would have dismissed you as a fantasist.”

Graeme’s involvement in the 2026 season of Strictly was announced earlier this month – and he shared his excitement over being included when his casting was revealed.

He declared: “I can’t believe I am joining the cast of Strictly for 2026. I have always loved dancing, so to have the opportunity to learn from the best in the business is a dream come true.”

He added: “I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking! I can’t wait to get started. Bring it on.”

He joins a varied cast of co-stars for the 2026 season which ranges to include Australian pop sensation Delta Goodrem to social media hairdresser Chris Appleton.

EastEnders icon Lacey Turner – known to millions as Stacey slater – and House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia – known to even more millions the world over as Lady Baela Targaryen – will also be taking part. While Big Brother presenter Will Best, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, and footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips are also among the contestants.

Fans of Strictly will find a revamped show when it returns next week as long-running hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have been replaced by a trio of new hosts. Presenting Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and former dancefloor professional Johannes Radebe will be co-hosting the show.

As news of the new presenting line-up emerged earlier this year, Emma declared: “To be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.” While Josh added he was: “giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television”.

And Strictly pro Johannes – who danced professionally on the series from 2018 through 2025 – said returning to the series as a new presenter was “beyond anything I ever imagined”. The 2026 season of Strictly is expected to begin airing in September.

As for the judges – Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood have all been confirmed as returning as their seats to preside over all the toe tapping action which will receive marks out of 10 from each expert. The 2026 season of Strictly is expected to begin airing in September.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse covers herself in glory as she poses for a magazine.

The 45-year-old is on the cover of the new edition of Women’s Health UK.

She tells how she transformed herself after a full body check-up, saying: “My doctor said, ‘Mrs Mabuse, you can’t continue like this.’

“My parents and grandparents have type 2 diabetes and I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant, and my doctor said, ‘The numbers show that you’re at risk.’

“He said, ‘If you want to stay healthy in the long term, we need to make some changes.’”

The full interview is available in the September issue of Women’s Health UK.

THIS MORNING MAKE OVER

This Morning star reveals different look as he watches The Weeknd

TOUGH TIME

Great British Bake Off winner reveals ‘frightening’ health diagnosis

Motsi has previously spoken about her health routine.

While many celebrities have been reaching for the fat jabs to drop the pounds, Motsi has opted for good, old-fashioned nutritious food and exercise.

And it’s not just looking her best on TV that has sparked her motivation to get fit. She has another unusual reason for wanting to get in shape, too.

“The main one is menopause,” she says.

“I hate the fact that every podcast or everything I see online about it is based on fearmongering. I’ve never heard anyone say, ‘Don’t worry, it’s not that bad!’

“I even asked Shirley Ballas. ‘Will it be OK?’ and she shook her head, saying, ‘No, it’s going to be a ride!’

“I am preparing for what may come,” Motsi explains. “I want to be ready. I’ve done an overhaul of my diet. I’m doing weights and building muscle. I’m eating nuts, fruit and salad.

“I’m going to the sauna three times a week, as it helps reduce your cortisol levels. I find ice baths are good for my mental health, too.”