Entertainment
Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Who is Peep Show star Robert Webb and when did he perform his Flashdance parody?
Could Robert become second comedian in a row to win Strictly? (Picture: PA/BBC)
The first three contestants for Strictly Come Dancing 2021 have been announced, with Tom Fletcher, Robert Webb and AJ Odudu joining the line-up as they prepare to do their best to impress the judges.
On Wednesday evening’s edition of The One Show, Alex Jones and Amol Rajan welcomed the first three stars of Strictly 2021 to reveal their exciting news to the nation.
First up was McFly musician Tom, who was quickly followed by comedian Robert before TV presenter AJ became the final celeb to be unveiled.
During his chat with Alex and Amol, Robert recalled his past experience of dancing on TV, having previously performed a parody of a dance from 80s classic Flashdance on the BBC.
So who is Robert, what has he done in his career and when was his unforgettable Flashdance spoof?
Who is Robert Webb?
Robert, 48, is a comedian, actor, writer and presenter, one of his best-known works being his starring role on Channel 4 series Peep Show.
Comedy duo David Mitchell and Robert Webb star together on Peep Show (Picture: Angus Young/Channel 4)
As one half of the double comedy act Mitchell and Webb, with fellow Peep Show star David Mitchell, Robert has also appeared in shows including That Mitchell and Webb Look and sitcom The Smoking Room.
Robert has made numerous panel show appearances, being featured on series such as Have I Got News For You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and QI.
He recently starred on sitcom Back with David, with series two airing earlier this year.
When did Robert perform his Flashdance parody?
Yes, you read that right.
Just 12 years ago, Robert did indeed channel his best Alex Owens when he recreated her routine to ‘What A Feeling’ from the 1983 film Flashdance.
His performance was part of the BBC One programme Let’s Dance, which saw him dance in an effort to raise money for Comic Relief.
The comedian began his performance dressed in Alex’s welder uniform before revealing his leotard underneath, completing his look with a wig of unmistakable 80s curls.
After being saved by the public vote in the first week of the competition, Robert was eventually crowned the overall winner, having made it to the final in week four.
His series of Let’s Dance ended up raising an incredible £300,000 for Comic Relief.
Robert – we have to see this performance recreated on Strictly Come Dancing 2021!
When does Strictly 2021 start?
The start date for Strictly Come Dancing 2021 is yet to be revealed, as the celebrities are likely currently in rehearsals as the first stars are announced.
Last year, the show launched on October 17, with the live shows beginning a week later.
This year, the series is expected to run for the full 13 weeks, after last year’s show was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Who are the Strictly judges?
This year, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse are returning to judge Strictly.
They will be joined by Anton Du Beke, who will take Bruno Tonioli’s place on the panel.
Anton had a brief stint as a temporary judge on Strictly last year, when he took Motsi’s place in her absence.
More: Strictly Come Dancing
Who won Strictly 2020?
Last year, Bill Bailey became the oldest celebrity to win Strictly, achieving victory with his professional partner Oti Mabuse.
It marked the second year in a row that Oti won the competition, having also won in 2019 with Kelvin Fletcher.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One later this year.
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