The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Rhys Stephenson: Who is the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 contestant and what is he famous for?
Children’s TV presenter documented his Strictly rehearsal experience on TikTok
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Children’s TV presenter Rhys Stephenson was the 11th contestant to exit Strictly Come Dancing 2021 after he was eliminated in the dance off.
Born in London in 1993, the 27-year-old is a well-known face to CBBC viewers and their parents, having hosted across the channel for 5 years.
He’s presented on shows such as Blue Peter and Newsround, as well as hosting the links between shows with puppet Hacker T Dog.
As a child, he was often taking part in school theatre performances, and joined the National Youth Theatre in 2013.
It was this year that he started studying at the University of Westminster, where he began presenting, working on the university’s student TV channel and winning the award for Best On-Screen Male at the National Student Television Association awards.
When he graduated, Stephenson landed his first job at CBBC as a presenter.
Since then, he has worked across a broad range of programmes on the channel, ranging from hosting Blue Peter and Saturday Mash-Up!, to performances on Dengineers and Remotely Funny.
In addition, Stephenson is an ambassador for Place2Be, a charity providing mental health services in schools.
He also has appeared on Channel 4 daily show Steph’s Packed Lunch to discuss teaching kids about internet safety.
Speaking about joining Strictly 2021, the presenter said that he was “buzzing” to get involved.
“I have dreamt about being on this show, and I know for a fact that it is going to exceed every expectation,” he said. “I cannot wait to experience it all: the costumes, the orchestra, even Craig’s glare! I am READY!”
He’s also said that he was looking forward to performing more serious dance routines such as the Paso Doble.
“I can’t wait to kind of scare people,” he joked. “I want people to look and go ‘Oh, that’s a bit intense, I didn’t know Rhys could do that.’”
He documented his Strictly rehearsal experience on TikTok. You can follow him here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments