Former EastEnders actor Jake Wood has been sharing his tips and tricks with former co-star James Bye ahead of the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Jake, 50, starred on the programme eight years ago and impressed with his snake-like hips has warned the Martin Fowler actor about how “tough” the experience will be.
He said: “James is going into Strictly and texted me for advice a couple of days ago.
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“I spoke to him and gave some pearls of wisdom – sleep, eat, prepare yourself mentally as it’s a very tough show and enjoy it.
“James has never danced before, and I was in the same position. There’s a lot of pressure on that show.
“For me it was about controlling emotions and nerves because it’s very scary.”
Jake reached the semi-final with Janette Manrara in 2014 but has vowed never to dance again.
“I’m fully retired, an ex-dancer,” he said. “I never danced before so not after, even for fun. I haven’t got any moves.”
(Image: BBC)
That doesn’t mean Jake, who played Walford’s loveable rogue Max Branning for 15 years before exiting last year, isn’t feeling a touch of the green-eyed monster.
He continued: “I’m jealous James gets to do it. I did the Christmas special, so I think I’m done. He’s going to have a great time.”
After winning Strictly last year, Rose Ayling-Ellis is following Jake in departing from Albert Square.
He laughed: “I don’t think Rose needs any advice from me. She’s incredibly focused and an inspiring young lady. She’ll be fine whatever she does.”
Last year, Jake won rave reviews for the West End play 2:22: A Ghost Story, which he starred in alongside Lily Allen.
He said: “Lily smashed it. She’s so fearless as a person – quite extraordinary.” And while he’s waiting for the next acting job to come along, the 50-year-old doesn’t rule out a return to EastEnders.
(Image: BBC)
“I’m waiting for the right thing to come along. It’s nice to be at home and catch up on sleep.
“The door is open – which I’m grateful for – so you might see Max back. It’s going to take a long time to be able to do other stuff after that character.
“I always had in my mind it would be two or three years.
“Time is a benefit when you’re leaving a soap, the longer you leave it, possibly the more opportunities you get.
“You sign up for a soap with a possibility of being typecast and whether there will be work beyond it.”
(Image: Getty)
Unsurprisingly he’s been approached by reality shows. “I got offered that Celebrity SAS last year but I couldn’t do it because I was in the West End,” said Jake.
“I like watching it, but I don’t know whether I’d enjoy doing it.”
It was revealed this month that Sid Owen will be reprising his iconic ‘Enders character Ricky Butcher.
Jake said: “I’m really pleased for Sid. He’s one of the all-time legends of the show, so it’ll be interesting to tune in and find out what Ricky’s been up to.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
