Robert Rinder has revealed that Susanna Reid’s advice to him for Strictly Come Dancing was for him to “be nice”.
The star of reality TV show Judge Rinder was also given guidance from another famous friend, former S Club singer Rachel Stevens.
The 38-year-old criminal barrister is also a close friend of Benedict Cumberbatch, having served as his best man when he married Sophie Hunter last year.
Sherlock star Benedict officiated when Robert wed his partner Seth Cummings in a civil ceremony in Ibiza in 2013.
He said: “Susanna Reid typically told me just to be nice (I looked at her slightly perplexed thinking how on earth am I supposed to do that?) and Rachel Stevens who I grew up with said try to remember the steps and be talented (again that’s alright if you’re Rachel Stevens).”
He heaped praise on Rachel, describing her as “amazing”, adding: “We used to play as kids, we’ve known each other since primary school.”
IT'S OFFICIAL YOUR JUDGE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED FOR STRICTLY!! #teamrinder #courtisinsession @bbcstrictly @scott_mills https://t.co/n93QZAtIm9
— Judge Rinder (@JudgeRinderTV) August 22, 2016
The outspoken TV personality said as far as impressing the judges goes, he would like to impress them all and took a tongue-in-cheek swipe at Craig Revel Horwood.
He said: “Well I would say Craig Revel Horwood, the only difference is unlike him I’m actually able to raise a judicial eyebrow… But actually I like to impress them all as I think they’re all amazing.”
The BBC One show returns this weekend and will see 15 famous faces hoping to impress the judges – Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig – with their fancy footwork.