Strictly Ballroom star Paul Mercurio’s very surprising career move is revealed

Paul Mercurio moved audiences in the ’90s with his jaw-dropping dance routines in the classic Australian film Strictly Ballroom.

But now, the 59-year-old actor has announced he wants to reach out to people in another way by beginning a career in Victorian state politics.

The Neighbours star is Labor’s candidate in the seat of Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula for the November 2022 state election.

Paul Mercurio (pictured) recently announced he plans to begin his career in Victorian state politics

The father-of-three is firm his vast years of work experience have given him the necessary skills to enter the political arena.

‘I’ve done all sorts of things. As an actor in this country, you don’t just act,’ he told NCA NewsWire.

‘I did a lot of things to pay the mortgage and put food on the table. I think the good thing about that is that I have a fairly healthy lived experience,’ he added.

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Paul is Labor’s candidate in the seat of Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula for the November 2022 state election. Pictured: Paul in Strictly Ballroom with co-star Tara Morice

Although Paul was elected as a councillor for the Mornington Peninsula Shire in 2020 he expressed dissatisfaction with the role.

He said: ‘I couldn’t do enough on council which is why I decided to go for state.’ 

Paul went on to say that his pro-active attitude and can-do nature makes him the clear choice for constituents.

Although Paul was elected as a councillor for the Mornington Peninsula Shire in 2020 he expressed dissatisfaction with the role 

After rising to fame in Strictly Ballroom, Paul went on to star in many high-profile Australian productions including Neighbours and Dancing With the Stars.

He also appeared in 2019 film Promised, playing the role of Sal.

Paul has been married to his wife Andrea since 1987 and they share three children Emily, Elise and Erin.

After rising to fame in Strictly Ballroom he went on to star in many high-profile Australian productions including Neighbours and Dancing With the Stars