Hamza Yassin, the beloved wildlife photographer and Strictly Come Dancing champion, recently bared his soul on The One Show, revealing a deeply personal struggle that shaped his journey long before he dazzled audiences on the dancefloor. While the world saw a radiant star lifting the glitterball trophy in 2022, Hamza’s path to success was paved with challenges that many never suspected. In a candid conversation with hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, the zoologist-turned-television personality opened up about his lifelong battle with dyslexia—a condition that once left him in tears but ultimately became his superpower.
“I classify myself as the king of the dyslexics,” Hamza said with a wry smile, his trademark warmth shining through. “Through school, I struggled so much.” His words carried the weight of years spent grappling with self-doubt, as reading and writing—tasks that came easily to others—felt like insurmountable hurdles. It wasn’t until a pivotal moment with a teacher named Mrs. Strange that everything changed. “She said to me, ‘Hamza, I think you’re dyslexic,'” he recalled. “I immediately started crying and went, ‘Well, what is that?'”
Mrs. Strange’s words were a revelation. She explained that dyslexia made reading and writing difficult but also came with unique strengths. “She said, ‘There’s superpowers to it,'” Hamza shared, his eyes lighting up. “I thought, ‘Well, yes, doesn’t everyone struggle?’ But then she showed me how it could be a gift.” That moment marked a turning point, transforming Hamza’s perception of his challenges into a source of pride.
Far from being a limitation, dyslexia unlocked a world of extraordinary abilities for Hamza. “I’ve got a photographic memory. I remember nuances, I can do patterns,” he explained. “Dyslexia has opened up the world to me.” He drew inspiration from icons like Octavia Spencer, Whoopi Goldberg, and Richard Branson—trailblazers who also have dyslexia and have turned their unique perspectives into remarkable success. “It’s not a hindrance,” Hamza emphasized. “If you know how to harness it, it’s a positive thing.”
This mindset has propelled Hamza to achievements he once thought impossible. The man who once doubted he could write a single page has now authored multiple books, including Let’s Go For a Walk and Homeward Bound: The Joy of Nature and My Life Outdoors. “If you told me 15 years ago that I’d be writing books, I’d have said, ‘Absolutely not! Did you not know I’m dyslexic?'” he laughed. With the help of his writing team, Catherine and Nathan, Hamza dictates his ideas, transforming his vivid experiences into words. “Having dyslexia is not a barrier,” he said. “It’s about finding the positives it gives you.”
Hamza’s journey is a testament to resilience. With support tailored to his needs, he earned a zoology degree from Bangor University and a master’s in biological photography and imaging from the University of Nottingham. His career skyrocketed from presenting on CBeebies’ Let’s Go For a Walk to starring in documentaries and guest spots on Countryfile. His crowning moment came in 2022 when he waltzed his way to victory on Strictly Come Dancing, captivating audiences with his grace and infectious enthusiasm.
Now, Hamza is embarking on a new adventure with his four-part BBC series, Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles, where his passion for nature and storytelling continues to shine. Behind the glittering lights of Strictly and the lens of his camera, Hamza’s story is one of triumph over adversity—a reminder that what others see as a weakness can become your greatest strength.
“They thought I was shining,” Hamza reflected, “but the truth is, it was the struggle that made me who I am.” His confession is not just a glimpse into the dark side of his journey but a powerful message of hope: embrace what makes you different, and let it light the way.