Hay Festival: Strictly winner Hamza to switch on Christmas lights

Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal were crowned Strictly Come Dancing champions in 2022

Strictly Come Dancing winner Hamza Yassin will switch on the Christmas lights as part of his upcoming Hay Festival Winter Weekend appearance.

The wildlife presenter will join the Hay-on-Wye Citizen of the Year to switch on the town's Christmas lights on Friday 24 November.

The event will take place from 17:00 GMT and start the Festival weekend, which runs to until Sunday.

Hamza said he was "honoured to bring some added sparkle" to the weekend.

"In times like these, community and connection feel more important than ever," he said.

"It will be my first trip to the Town of Books and I'm looking forward to meeting readers and fellow wildlife lovers there, on stage and off, and marking the season's change with hope and joy."

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The Animal Park, Let's Go For A Walk and Countryfile host had never had any dance lessons before taking part in the 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing, but soon became the bookmakers' favourite.

The 33-year-old was known for his daring lifts during series 20, and ended the series by lifting the glitterball trophy.