Ore Oduba has paid tribute to his family – and his fans – in a sweet Instagram post to mark a year since he left Manchester behind for a new life in London.
The 32-year-old, who welcomed baby Roman with wife Portia in January, admitted they took a “terrifying leap of faith” moving to the capital following his victory on Strictly Come Dancing.
He wrote: “Just realised it was a year ago today that @portiajett and I packed up, jumped in a van and took a terrifying leap of faith, leaving Manchester, our home for nearly seven years, and so many friends behind, to move closer to our families. Been a pretty life-changing 12 months!”
He added: “SO grateful and feel incredibly blessed by the immense support of wonderful people (all yous included!!) Always been a big believer that you’re only as good as the people around you…
“Never apologise for dreaming big, you don’t know what you might achieve… AND without risk there’s no reward.”
The caption was written beside a cute snap of Portia cradling baby Roman, of which he wrote: “…as for these two, you’re who it’s all for.”
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Thousands of Ore’s followers liked the snap, with many commenting to say how “gorgeous” and “beautiful” the image was, while others praised his heartfelt message.
Among them was his fellow Strictly dancer Louise Redknapp who said of the image: “two beauts” with a kiss and a heart emoji.
BBC sports presenter Ore has been in demand since his Strictly victory in 2016.
He’s presented Sport Relief show, And They’re Off, been a stand-in co-host on This Morning and co-presented Britain’s Favourite Walks. He also joined the last Strictly Live tour to act as host.
This week he announced the nominees for the TV BAFTAs along with Michelle Keegan, and last month it was announced he will front a new afternoon quiz show for the BBC called Hardball.
The fast-paced game sees contestants battling against the clock to beat a rolling ball before it can catch up with them.
Ore said of the programme: “I absolutely love Hardball, it does exactly what it says on the tin! Like the best quiz shows, a simple format but a game that’s not quite as easy as it first appears.
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“I can’t wait to bring a bit of drama to daytime on BBC One. Once that ball starts rolling, it’s very hard to stop… let’s hope our contestants – and the audience – can hold their breath.”
It’s not all hard work for the star though. His Instagram page shows he’s also been enjoying lots of family time with his wife and adorable new baby.
Have you ever taken a leap of faith and made a big change in your life? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know!