Incredible story behind Strictly Come Dancing star Bill Bailey's real name

Bill Bailey has become somewhat of a household name since competing in this year's Strictly Come Dancing, and viewers cannot get enough of him.

The 55-year-old has wowed the judges week in, week out with his professional partner Oti Mabuse and he's now made it to the grand final.

However, something Strictly fans may not know is that Bill's name actually isn't Bill.

The Never Mind the Buzzcocks comedian was actually given a totally different name when he was born in January 1965.

The funnyman was actually named Mark by his parents, but he changed it way before finding fame.

Speaking previously on Desert Island Discs, Bill explained: "I ended up as Bill because I had a geography teacher at school who decided this was my nickname.

Comedian Bill Bailey was named Mark when he was born in January 1965 (PA)

"It was because of the song, the classic Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey.

"I just got stuck with his name, Bill Bailey," he added.

The dad-of-one also revealed that he was very academic at school and always cleaned up when it came to the annual prize giving days.

"Say there were 12 subjects, I would win nine of them. That went on for the first three years of senior school," he said.

"I found it very easy, it sounds arrogant to say so, but that was the truth of it. I did find it easy."

Bill made it to the Strictly Come Dancing final with his professional partner Oti Mabuse (BBC)

However, after the first three years he stopped trying as hard and started to focus on music and playing in bands - to the frustration of his teachers and parents.

"[My parents] didn't quite know what to do, but they were very understanding and they were very supportive

They perhaps thought it was better off to let me do what they wanted to do, I think they were quite liberal in that regard."

The 55-year-old comedian has wowed Strictly fans with his shocking performance on the BBC dance show (PA)

Bill will compete against Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing, EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, and singer Hrvy in the 2020 Strictly Come Dancing final.

Bill and 30-year-old Oti are tipped to be the favourites to life the Glitterball trophy this year.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Bill's the one to beat if the latest odds are anything to go by, and while he may be odds-on, we are strapping ourselves in for the closest ever Strictly final with HRVY and Maisie hot on his heels."

*The Strictly Come Dancing final kicks off tonight at 6pm on BBC1