Strictly's Ashley Taylor Dawson loves being a dad!

Strictly Come Dancing star Ashley Taylor Dawson has revealed he spoke to his newborn son before he was born to make sure he timed his arrival perfectly!

The Hollyoaks actor became a dad for the second time earlier this month, just days after he began the live heats of the BBC 1's dance show, Strictly. But he might have had to miss the show if the birth had clashed!

In an interview with Hello! magazine, which has photographed Ashley for the first time with young Mason Mac, the actor says:

"I did have a word with Mason inside his mum's tummy and said, 'Come on, son, time this right for me', and I think he listened!"

Ashley is currently juggling being a dad to Mason Mac and his two-year-old brother, Buddy with his role as Darren in Channel 4's Hollyoaks and hectic rehearsals for Strictly Come Dancing. But despite a lack of sleep, Ashley says he wouldn't change a thing:

"I have a fantastic day job at Hollyoaks, I'm doing Strictly - which is like a surreal dream - and I've got two wonderful sons. No matter how tired I am, I can't complain."

Catch Ashley spinning around the dancefloor this Saturday and Sunday night in Strictly Come Dancing on BBC 1.

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