Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb is swapping the fictional Dales for the ballroom floor as he competes on Strictly Come Dancing. Best known for playing mischievous rogue Mackenzie Boyd on the ITV soap, Robb has taken a temporary break from acting to face this performance challenge on the BBC One show.
As the competition advances into movie week, Robb relies heavily on the support of his professional dance partner, Jowita Przystał. Meanwhile, his partner, West End actress Pamela Blair, cheers him on remotely from London while maintaining her own theatrical schedule.
Balancing West End Commitments and Strictly Support
While Lawrence Robb tackles intricate choreography in the Elstree studios, Pamela Blair stars as Chanteuse in the West End production of The Devil Wears Prada Musical. Due to her strict theatrical show schedule and curtain times, Blair was unable to attend Robb’s initial live television debut in the studio audience.
Showing her support, Blair shared a video on TikTok showing her castmates gathered around a screen backstage to watch his routine before going on stage for their own 7:30 p.m. performance. Blair’s stage credits also include major roles in West End productions of 42nd Street, Beauty and The Beast, and Cool Rider.
From Emmerdale to the Ballroom Floor
Lawrence Robb joined ITV’s Emmerdale in October 2020 as Mackenzie Boyd, quickly becoming a central fixture of the Dales. Over more than 650 episodes, his character has been at the center of plotlines, including affairs, being kidnapped by serial killer John Sugden, and starring in the 2026 soap crossover special Corriedale alongside characters from Coronation Street.
When the BBC announced his casting as the twelfth celebrity for the 2026 lineup, Robb admitted he felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. Speaking about joining the television show, he joked that his mother was more ecstatic than he was.
"I don’t know who’s more excited about this, me or my Mother. I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time! It’s a dream come true, and I can’t wait to bring my all to ballroom." – Lawrence Robb
What Does Strictly Mean for Mack’s Future in Emmerdale?
Soap fans frequently worry about the futures of actors who cross over to the BBC dance competition. Soap stars typically take a temporary hiatus rather than leaving permanently. Co-star Emma Atkins, who plays Robb’s on-screen partner Charity Dingle, revealed that production writers had to orchestrate a temporary exit strategy when the call from Strictly arrived.
With Mackenzie currently caught up in emotional fallout on-screen while Charity faces legal turmoil, viewers can expect Robb to return to the Yorkshire village once his time on the show concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawrence Robb
Who is Lawrence Robb?
Lawrence Robb is a Scottish actor born in Glasgow in 1992. He is best known for portraying Mackenzie Boyd in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale since October 2020.
Who is Lawrence Robb dancing with on Strictly Come Dancing?
Lawrence Robb is paired with professional dancer Jowita Przystał for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Who is Lawrence Robb’s partner?
Lawrence Robb is in a relationship with West End actress Pamela Blair, who stars in The Devil Wears Prada Musical.
Is Lawrence Robb leaving Emmerdale permanently?
No, Lawrence Robb is not leaving Emmerdale permanently. He is taking a temporary hiatus from the soap opera to participate in Strictly Come Dancing.
What are Lawrence Robb’s other acting credits?
Before joining Emmerdale, Robb appeared in the HBO/Sky Atlantic series I Hate Suzie alongside Billie Piper, as well as stage productions including Legally Blonde The Musical and Mojo in the West End.
