HE’S the award-winning soap star who's about to make some serious cha-cha-change after appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.
Bobby Brazier, 20, is a hot favourite to lift this year's Glitterball trophy – and even if he doesn’t, he'll be in a prime position to bag some highly lucrative deals.
PR experts predict the newly single star's Strictly appearance will make him the new "nation's sweetheart" and earn him heartthrob status among younger fans.
They claim the exposure could lead to a multimillion-pound bidding war between the soaps – or even him being scouted for major Hollywood roles.
The actor, who plays Freddie Slater in EastEnders, recently scooped the Rising Star Award at the National Television Awards and already has an army of adoring fans.
He's also modelled at London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks and for high-end brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger and Moschino.
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PR guru Carla Speight says: “Bobby is hot right now and there’s no reason why he wouldn’t be appealing to the US after winning a National Television Award.
“Strictly will show the US how versatile he is and no doubt make him even more appealing, he could be the star of the next hit drama to come from across the pond."
Carla believes Bobby’s huge likeability factor and acting talent could see him pull off similar career success to the likes of Sarah Lancashire and Suranne Jones.
“He has the potential to jump from one of the nation’s most loved soaps to drama series and stage too, if Strictly goes as well as expected," she says.
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7“He's likely to find himself with a ‘golden handcuffs’ style contract, after a short bidding war between the channels.
"Sarah Lancashire reportedly earned £1.3 million from her deal, making her the highest-paid TV actress in 2000.
“Bobby will easily double that with the right channel and the right jobs.
“There’s a whole heap of opportunities for Bobby right now. The more the public see him, the more they love him and he needs to focus on taking his career to new heights.”
As well as being named the NTA's Rising Star, the son of Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody was also nominated for Best Newcomer and Best Comedic Performance at the Inside Soap Awards.
PR-to-the-stars Mayah Riaz says winning an NTA is a powerful marketing tool for any actor as it's a highly regarded “stamp of approval” from the acting industry.
She tells us: “Hollywood is always on the lookout for fresh faces and emerging talents, and Bobby's victory has undoubtedly put him on the radar of casting agents, directors and producers worldwide.
“This recognition not only validates his abilities but also piques the interest of influential decision-makers who can help shape a potential career in Hollywood.
“He is most definitely one to watch and could become a huge star in a few years."
However, Mayah warns that Bobby will need to "carefully select" any future projects and surround himself with a supportive team to ensure enduring success.
She adds: “It is important to remember that sustained success in Hollywood depends on talent, perseverance and the ability to navigate the industry's challenges."
'Common mistake'
Both experts say Bobby's newly single status goes in his favour and he should hang on to it – and not fall victim to the age-old Strictly curse.
Ahead of appearing on the BBC show, Bobby ended his 18-month on-off relationship with the model Liberty Love.
When quizzed on TikTok about why they weren’t still together, he said: “It didn’t match my priorities.”
Carla says: “Bobby's single status affords him the chance to connect with fans and focus on his career which will make a huge difference in the high-rising trajectory he’s on.”
Mayah adds that being single will allow Bobby the freedom to reinvent himself and shape his public image, which could afford him more options in the industry.
Though she concedes finding love on Strictly “may not be a bad thing” as it will lead to more media attention and interest in him and his private life.
Runway return
Should Bobby ever choose to return to modelling – for which he was scouted aged 16 while walking down the street – it could prove a very lucrative move.
Mayah believes he could command tens of thousands of pounds for a collaboration with a fashion brand – or even launch his own range of clothes.
“His modelling career has already taken off with impressive signings by renowned agencies," she says.
"This would be highly profitable for him.
“Bobby has the potential to leverage his unique sense of style, fashion knowledge, and growing popularity to secure lucrative partnerships with both established and emerging brands.”
Carla says the exposure from Strictly is appealing to any brand.
She adds: "He’s ideal for press coverage right now and with the right brand collaboration, it will practically guarantee any deal landing in the press which could double his fee.
“Post-Strictly his fees, his following and the interest in him will only increase."
Social media empire
Since his Strictly stint was announced, Bobby has seen his Instagram following grow by 25,000 to 243,000 followers – a number that's likely to get bigger as the series goes on.
Sponsored social media content is a big money spinner for celebs.
While Mayah estimates he could probably command up to £400 per post, this has the potential to grow depending on how far he gets on Strictly.
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She says: “Should he go all the way and win it, and his following grows at the level it currently has, we could see him command around four figures per post."
Carla adds: “Bobby’s future is bright and no doubt we are seeing the very beginnings of a long-lasting career with audiences all over the world supporting him every step of the way. ”
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