Lawrence Robb: Emmerdale co-stars react to Strictly rule
Emmerdale's Lawrence Robb is the first ITV soap star on Strictly Come Dancing after the broadcaster relaxed its rules, and co-stars Bradley Riches and Emma Atkins say they would never rule out joining him—though both stop short of pitching themselves for the ballroom.
Robb, who plays Mackenzie Boyd, is temporarily written out of Emmerdale while he competes. The change matters because ITV now allows its soap actors to appear on the BBC dance show while still contracted—something that was off-limits before, according to Digital Spy.
Key Takeaways
- Lawrence Robb is the first ITV soap star on Strictly after the network eased casting rules.
- Bradley Riches and Emma Atkins both said "never say never" about doing Strictly themselves.
- Robb is paired with Jowita Przystał and set for a Paso Doble to Harry Styles' Aperture.
- He has admitted limited dance experience and pre-show nerves, including dreams about falling.
- Co-stars believe viewers will warm to him and that he can improve week by week.
Would Emmerdale co-stars follow Lawrence Robb onto Strictly?
Speaking on the Inside Soap Awards red carpet, Lewis Barton actor Bradley Riches told Digital Spy he loves "a little dance" and called a Strictly stint "inevitable—maybe when I'm 60." He added he is excited about opportunities now open to ITV soap stars.
Emma Atkins, who plays Charity Dingle, said she would "never say never" but would rather take private lessons than be filmed. She cited the pressure and prefers watching at home with her son. For more entertainment and culture coverage in our hub, see Fintech & Crypto Alerts.
Can Lawrence Robb win Strictly Come Dancing?
Riches said Robb "has it in him," with the cast supporting him, and joked he needs "more sparkles" after a "very camp" early showing. Atkins called him "gorgeous" and "such a good guy," predicting audiences will love him even if she has barely seen him dance.
She expects a journey where he gets "better and better." Atkins separately told The Sun his Mackenzie exit was rewritten fast after the Strictly call, with a Germany storyline and a playful shimmy that she joked viewers would clock.
What is Lawrence Robb facing before the first live show?
Series 24's first live show airs at 6.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer. In a prank clip filmed by co-star Danny Miller, Robb admitted dreaming about falling and said he is "100 per cent" more likely to forget steps than slip—calling the grilling anxiety-inducing.
The 34-year-old Scot said he is doing Strictly partly for his mum, gran, and partner, with his mum a superfan hosting Saturday parties. He described his skills as "lacklustre at best," noting musical theatre training under the Dance School of Scotland umbrella but no Latin or ballroom background, and joked pro partner Jowita "has her work cut out."
Emmerdale continues weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX while Mackenzie remains off-screen during Robb's run.