EastEnders bosses are scaling back James Bye’s storylines to help him win Strictly Come Dancing.
Starring on both shows is proving to be tough for the talented actor who plays the role of Martin Fowler in the long running BBC soap.
The star has been working around the clock to get his soap scenes filmed and train for Strictly with pro partner Amy Dowden.
READ MORE: Strictly’s James and Ola Jordan have had ‘horrendous’ time as toddler battled illness
James told the Daily Star Sunday: “This week has been a busy week at EastEnders. I’ve been on set every day.
“Amy has come over to the set a few days this week.
“We have been getting two hours of training in the morning and sometimes getting another two in the evening.”
(Image: BBC / Kieron McCarron)
James also admitted that his current schedule is leaving him knackered.
He added: “You are exhausted from training which helps you sleep. As soon as my body hits the pillow, I am out.”
Writers are now cutting down the number of scenes he will need to film as Martin Fowler. He said: “EastEnders have been great and they are going to lighten the workload for me.
“As soon as Strictly was confirmed for me, EastEnders put the wheels in motion.
(Image: PA)
“But unfortunately, the way it works with scheduling is always a few months behind. So hopefully next week it will lighten,” he explained.
But despite the intense training, James fears he could be axed in the first vote-off tonight.
The hunk scored just 22 points with his first dance – putting him third from bottom on the leaderboard.
He said: “I’ve been working hard. I just hope it is enough to get us through.”
(Image: Getty)
Following his first live performance with his dance partner Amy, James’ wife Victoria took to Instagram to express how proud she was of her husband with whom she shares three sons with.
Alongside a photo of herself, James and Amy, Victoria penned: “Ladies and Gentlemen… introducing – Jimmy the shimmy. And didn’t he do well.
“As I suspected, I didn’t breathe for the entire thing as he flicked and kicked and sparkled all over the show… and then it was over. And I was on my feet, clapping and whooping and feeling so damn proud.”
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
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She continued: “Every minute, every ache, every moment had led up to this… and well, I thought they were both bloody marvellous.
“He’s worrying a little bit… Desperately not wanting to let anyone down. Wanting the boys to be proud… and they are. Do they think he’s the best dancer in the world – er no.
“Are they desperate to watch him bust a few moves again next week – erm, also no. But are they proud of their bestie giving it everything he had – oh absobloominlutely.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
