Ross King and Jowita Przystal say they’ve been told off for chatting too much on Strictly Come Dancing

Ross King and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Jowita Przystal say they’ve been told off for chatting too much as the BBC One ballroom series begins its new season. The Glasgow-born broadcaster, 63, who has spent much of his career between Scotland and Los Angeles, told Radio Times that he’s trying to channel his live-TV experience for the show, even as he admits the transition feels “very weird.” The premiere weekend of the season highlighted the duo’s easy rapport, which has become one of the talking points as celebrities and professionals settle into the competition.

Przystal, 31 and Polish-born, told the magazine that the pair click in rehearsals and on set, describing their connection as almost fated. “It’s like we’ve met in a past life. We’re so comfortable with each other. We’re getting in trouble because we chat so much,” she said. King, reflecting on his career shift from television anchoring to dance-floor spotlight, acknowledged there’s a learning curve. “It’s very weird. There’s a bit of trepidation. I’m trying to surrender to it.” The interview is featured in the latest edition of Radio Times.

King’s remarks frame a season that fans are already watching with curiosity. Known for his work on Lorraine and appearances on Good Morning Britain, King is entering a high-profile format that rewards personality as much as technique. He has repeatedly emphasized his intention to stay adaptable and to lean into the live, unpredictable nature of the show, rather than rely on a rehearsed persona. The broadcaster’s long career in front of the camera has given him a fluency with audience expectations, yet Strictly demands a different rhythm of performance, timing, and interaction with a professional partner.

Przystal’s presence as a professional dancer brings a different kind of momentum to the partnership. In recent seasons, she has been praised for technical skill and stage presence, and she has been paired with several high-profile celebrities. For King, the pairing represents both a challenge and an opportunity to broaden his screen presence beyond traditional reporting and hosting roles. Observers note that the duo’s rapport could help them navigate the early rounds, where nerves and expectation collide with the show’s demanding schedule.

Beyond the personal dynamics, the start of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing has also underscored the broader appeal of a program that blends celebrity culture, athleticism, and entertainment. Viewers are watching not only for flawless footwork but for how contestants adapt to the rigors of weekly performances, judges’ critiques, and the social cadence of post-performance media appearances. King’s candid acknowledgement of the “trepidation” surrounding the experience resonates with fans who remember his background behind the mic rather than on a dance floor, signaling a potential shift in how audiences perceive him within this format.

Support from viewers in Scotland and beyond appears to be robust, with fans noting that King’s roots and connections to the region add an extra layer of interest to the competition. The collaboration with Przystal has also drawn attention to the ways in which personal rapport can influence on-screen chemistry, an element that the show often highlights as part of its storytelling. While the season is just underway, the early chatter between King and Przystal has already become part of the conversation about how the show balances personality with performance.

As the competition progresses, observers will be watching to see how King and Przystal navigate the balance between spontaneity and discipline on the dance floor. Their willingness to engage with one another and to bring a sense of fun to their routine could become one of the season’s defining features, particularly if it translates into strong votes from audiences and solid performances on the night. In the weeks ahead, the pair will aim to translate their natural ease into a rhythm that resonates with judges and viewers alike, while continuing to manage the inevitable tease of being told to ease up on the chatter.