He's been causing a stir on the dancefloor with his crazy facial expressions and impressive dance moves – and now Judge Robert Rinder tells Closer he thinks his best friend, Hollywood star Benedict Cumberbatch will be enjoying his energetic performances.
Benedict, 40, got ordained to officiate at Robert's wedding to long-term boyfriend Seth Cumming in Ibiza in 2013 and then the TV judge, 38, was one of the Sherlock star's three best men when he married Sophie Hunter last year.
Barrister Robert, who went to Manchester University with the A-lister, laughs: "Benedict's not been down to the show yet but I hope he'll make it at some point. I'm sure he's proud!"
And despite facing a barrage of criticism from Strictly judge Craig Revel-Horwood, Robert, who hit the limelight with his show "Judge Rinder" two years ago, says he isn't taking it personally.
"As long as he says things which are constructive, I don't care," smiles Robert.
"The poor darling seems to be more upset with my facial expressions but I can understand why that it is.
"I've said it before and it's true - it must be very challenging to see someone with as much facial range as me! Also, it's been a while since he has had that suppleness!"
And although he's openly gay, Robert, who is dancing on the show with Ukrainian blonde bombshell Oksana Platero, admits he's had a bizarre crush on judge Darcey Bussell for years.
He says: "I was at Darcey's last performance of Song of the Earth at the Royal Opera House nine years ago before she retired as a ballerina so when she says 'hello' to me now, I blush from head to foot. I'm such a huge fan.
"Even backstage, I'm like a shy schoolboy. She called me 'cute' when I was dressed as a caveman. I felt myself going beetroot. I got the tingles."
And Robert admits he's been busy bonding with Oksana and fellow contestant, Olympic long jumper Greg Rutherford, who has a two-year old son called Milo with his partner Susie Verrill.
Robert, who has been described as "Simon Cowell of the bench" due to his sharp put-down and honest persona, adds: "Oksana is a tough taskmaster but she's the best thing. She moved from the Ukraine to LA when she was 17 on her own. That's the stuff of toughness.
"If people think I am Simon Cowell - she is the nuclear-powered Simon Cowell! She is incredibly truthful and honest and she wants the best.
"And I adore Greg! He is the type of guy who you wish had been your big brother or the head boy at school - you know he is the type of person who would stand between you and a bully.
"All the contestants are on one great big WhatsApp group and it is really funny and really sweet. I hope we all go out for dinner when this has finished and I really hope to go on a trip away with Greg and his family!"
Will you be rooting for Judge Rinder on this year's Strictly Come Dancing? Let us know on Twitter @CloserOnline.
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