Former Strictly favourite Danny Mac has said not winning the dancing series last year was “probably best for his career”.
The Hollyoaks actor was the runner-up as he missed out on winning the Glitterball trophy which went to BBC Sports presenter Ore Oduba.
Read more: Strictly star reveals behind-the-scenes accident
Mac consistently hit the top of the leaderboard alongside dance partner Oti Mabuse and scored the first 40 for a samba in the competition’s history.
He told the Daily Mail’s Weekend magazine: “I actually think it was probably best for my career that I didn’t win.
“I mean, Ore will never be able to get away from the Strictly winner thing, even if it’s been the making of him.”
Mac, 29, recently married his former Hollyoaks co-star, actress Carley Stenson, 35, and said their first dance was nothing spectacular.
He explained: “We had a very traditional first dance. No big set-piece. We kind of shuffled round, like most couples do.”
The dancer and actor is currently rehearsing to go on a national tour with Lord Lloyd-Webber’s musical version of Sunset Boulevard.
I’m delighted to announce that I’ll continue as ‘Joe Gillis’ in @SunsetBlvdUK through 2018!
Full dates & venues:https://t.co/tiF8lAJEzw pic.twitter.com/CXJrAkps7U
— Danny Mac (@dannymaconline) September 22, 2017
Commenting on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing contestants, he said it’s a “strong field. It’s wide open”.
Mabuse is partnered with Paralympian Jonnie Peacock this year, which Mac says is “brilliant” for his former dancing partner.
He said: “I think Oti thought she’d get a comedy act this year so it’s been brilliant for her.”
Read more: Ruth Langsford shares cheeky snap of Anton
“It’s been interesting to see how they’ve worked together because they’re both used to winning. They’re both very competitive,” he added.
Mac and Mabuse reunited for the Strictly Come Dancing live tour earlier this year and were victorious in lifting the winner’s trophy while on tour.