Guillermo Rodriguez Reveals Jimmy Kimmel’s Advice Ahead of ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Guillermo Rodriguez is stepping into the ballroom for season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, and he’s revealing what his longtime boss, Jimmy Kimmel, told him before the big challenge.
Rodriguez, who has worked alongside Kimmel since Jimmy Kimmel Live! launched in 2003, said Kimmel kept his advice simple.
“He just told me, ‘Go have fun, enjoy, and be yourself,’ and that’s it,” Rodriguez told Entertainment Weekly.
As for whether Kimmel will show up in the ballroom to support him, Rodriguez said he certainly hopes so.
“I hope so. I hope so,” he said.
Rodriguez will compete alongside professional dancer Witney Carson, who recently won the previous season with Robert Irwin. Carson also previously claimed the Mirrorball Trophy in season 19 with Alfonso Ribeiro.
Rodriguez admitted he’s still figuring out Carson’s training style.
“I think she’s been good,” he said. “I don’t know if she’s been hard or easy, but I just listened to her.”
Carson, meanwhile, said rehearsals with Rodriguez have been filled with laughter. She also revealed that she has been taking it relatively easy on him so far.
“I’m trying to ease him into it a little bit, so I haven’t really come out with my strict self just yet,” Carson explained. “But you signed the contract now, so I can be as strict as I need to be now.”
Rodriguez also revealed that judge Bruno Tonioli is the person he’s most nervous about impressing once the competition officially begins.
With the season approaching, Rodriguez will have to prove he can keep up with some of the show’s toughest competitors while learning the demanding routines of ballroom dancing.