Trent Whiddon

Six-foot tall Latin-loving, Aussie-born blonde, Trent, joins us this year for his very first Strictly experience!

Specialising in Latin, Trent is a two time British Championships Latin Finalist and Australian professional Ten Dance Champion. His favourite dance is the Samba as he loves Brazilian music and the fun party atmosphere of the dance. He’s a big fan of Rumba too, stating: “Getting to dance rumba with my wife Gordana is something very special for me as the character and story of the dance is actually real in that moment”.

Working hard and helping people improve their dance skills is something that particularly motivates Trent. When it comes to his teaching style he’s positive, calm and fun, but is happy to apply a firm hand when needed! He’s really excited about the challenge of turning celebrities into dancers, so let’s see how he gets on…

Trent started dancing at the age of seven. After seeing him dance, his mum signed him up for classes and his obsession with dance began. He trained in a wide range of styles including Ballroom, Latin-American, Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Hip Hop, and first realised dance would become his life at the age of 15 when represented Australia at the Junior British Championships, making it to the open final.

Just two years later he was asked to join the cast of Burn the Floor, and in his second tour with the show became lead dancer. The past six years have seen Trent lead the Broadway show as Dance Captain and Company Manager.

No stranger to gracing TV screens either, Trent has also been a professional dancer on Australia’s Dancing with the Stars and he’s choreographed for So You Think You Can Dance Australia on two seasons, alongside his wife Gordana Grandosek. Trent met Slovenian dance champion Gordana in 2008 when they became dance partners and Australian Professional Ten Dance Champions.

Trent has an extensive list of hobbies including cycling, drawing, painting, cooking and playing with his dog. He also enjoys most outdoor activities like hiking, swimming and surfing. When it comes to relaxing though, there’s nothing more that Trent loves than a good meal with Gordana, who he claims is an amazing chef. Perhaps Gregg will share a few of his top culinary tips for our Latin-loving foodies?