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Hamza Yassin says he feels 'happier and healthier' after Strictly weight loss

Hamza Yassin said he feels healthier amid the physical demands of performing with Jowita Przystał on Strictly Come Dancing. (BBC)
Hamza Yassin said he feels healthier amid the physical demands of performing with Jowita Przystał on Strictly Come Dancing. (BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing finalist Hamza Yassin has credited the show with vastly improving his health, revealing he has lost a stone and a half and five inches off his waist.

The 32-year-old wildlife cameraman is the current favourite with the bookies to win the glitterball trophy with pro partner — and Strictly newbie — Jowita Przystał.

Read more: Hamza Yassin explains why he hasn't cut his hair in 17 years

Speaking ahead of the final on Saturday, Yassin said he has experienced noticeable health benefits as a result of his intense training.

He said: "I've lost nearly 13 kilos so over a stone and a half. My feet are not achy anymore and I'm seeing body parts being defined and I feel so much happier, fitter and healthier.

Watch: Who is Strictly Come Dancing contestant Hamza Yassin?

"I hope I can keep it going, it will be amazing if I can. I am certainly healthier. I have lost 4-5 inches across my waist, it's just nuts.

"This suit I'm wearing was tailor-made at the beginning and now I'm wearing a belt to tighten it. It's an amazing feeling."

Read more: Helen Skelton found her confidence on Strictly dance floor

Yassin added that "dancing is an incredible workout" and he now has "no need to go running" in order to keep himself in shape.

Most famous for his work on Countryfile and Animal Park, as well as a presenter on CBeebies show Let's Go for a Walk, Yassin said he has had some big offers since becoming the breakout star of this year's Strictly cast.

Hamza Yassin said he has received numerous job offers since he became a Strictly Come Dancing favourite. (BBC)
Hamza Yassin said he has received numerous job offers since he became a Strictly Come Dancing favourite. (BBC)

"I've got a few trips to Peru and a few big companies are asking questions," Yassin said of his future on both sides of the camera.

He added: "I want to show the world my love of the natural world and that's my biggest aim in life and it's always been my aim in life to look after Mother Nature.

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing stars snowed in at studios

"If this platform has given me a boost to do so, I say thank you very much to Strictly and the BBC and hopefully we can move forward

"But I can guarantee you I will keep dancing — just maybe not nine hours a day."

Hamza Yassin vows that he will keep dancing after the Strictly final, whether he wins the show or not. (BBC)
Hamza Yassin vows that he will keep dancing after the Strictly final, whether he wins the show or not. (BBC)

Yassin and his fellow finalists will take to the floor three times on Saturday's climactic spectacular, performing a showdance, as well as their own favourite number and one chosen by the judges.

Yassin and Przystał will repeat their Salsa to Ecuador by Sash! featuring Rodriguez for the judges' pick and their Couple's Choice routine to Jerusalema - Remix by Master KG featuring Burna Boy and Nomcebo Zikode.

Read more: Everything you need to know about the Strictly Come Dancing final

Their showdance, in which Yassin can showcase everything he has learned, will take place to the classic Let’s Face the Music and Dance by Irving Berlin.

Strictly Come Dancing airs at 7.05pm on Saturday on BBC One.

Watch: Married Strictly pros explain how show saved their relationship