Balancing Stardom and New Fatherhood: A Public Plea
The Hectic Schedule of a New Parent
Will Best, a prominent television presenter, has found himself juggling the intense demands of his professional life with the recent joys and challenges of becoming a father. At 41, he quickly returned to the rigorous rehearsal schedule for 'Strictly Come Dancing,' working closely with his professional dance partner, Diane Buswell. This swift return occurred shortly after his fiancée, Tobi Rose, gave birth to their son, Sonny, on a recent Sunday. Best candidly admitted to a significant lack of sleep, reflecting the common experience of new parents.
Overlapping Commitments: 'Strictly' and 'Big Brother'
Adding to his already packed calendar, Best continues his role as the co-host for the weekly live 'Big Brother' eviction shows, which take place every Friday alongside AJ Odudu. This dual commitment means he is involved in high-profile live television events on consecutive days, an arrangement that many fans believe is unsustainable for a new father.
Fans Call for Essential Parental Support
Observing Best's immediate return to work and his comments on exhaustion, a wave of support has emerged from 'Strictly' fans. Social media platforms have seen numerous calls for the show's producers to grant Best a week of paternity leave. Supporters emphasize the importance of this time for both the new father to bond with his child and for his partner, Tobi, to receive crucial support during the postpartum period. Phrases like "Give him a break to get to know his little one" and "Give him the week off" highlight the public's desire for the show to prioritize his family's well-being.
Acknowledging the Challenge
During a rehearsal, Best shared details about his new family life, describing his son's arrival as "the most surreal, wonderful thing" but also acknowledging his sleep deprivation. His dance partner, Diane, while understanding the situation, noted the need to "crack on" with their dance routine, implying the pressure to maintain their performance schedule despite personal circumstances. She light-heartedly suggested that Sonny's birth during "Icons Week" might make him an "Icon" himself.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Rush
The discussion around Best's situation comes at a time when another 'Strictly' participant, Delta Goodrem, has been granted a temporary reprieve from the competition due to an injury. This precedent offers a ray of hope for fans wishing for Best to receive similar consideration, albeit for different, yet equally valid, reasons related to family responsibilities.
The Journey to Parenthood and Beyond
Best had previously announced Tobi's pregnancy in a low-key manner on Instagram, sharing a photo of her baby bump. The couple, who got engaged in 2024, have been together for over a decade, with Best publicly celebrating their 12-year anniversary and expressing his deep affection for Tobi. His career has seen him transition from music television to various presenting roles, including a significant stint on 'Big Brother's Bit On The Side' before co-hosting the current main series.