Emma Slater became emotional at the meeting Dancing with the stars partner Reginald VelJohnson for the first time.

“I couldn’t help but cry a little when I saw him,” 35-year-old Slater told exclusively We weekly Wednesday, September 4, after the DWTS The cast of season 33 has been announced. “Because I’m such a fan and I’ve seen Die Hard every year… honestly, for decades.”

VelJohnson, 72, also reacted kindly after being introduced to Slater.

“I just looked at her face and fell in love,” the actor enthused Us“She is wonderful.”

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While VelJohnson admitted that participating in the dance competition show wasn’t something he initially envisioned in his career, he is having “a lot of fun” and called it a “special” experience.

VelJohnson shared that when he decided to join the cast, he did not plan to take advice from friends like former Family matters Co-Star Jaleel Whitewho competed in season 14. Instead, VelJohnson wanted to come into the show with a fresh perspective.

“I didn’t talk to anyone. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I want to do my own thing,” he said Us“If I fall, I fall. If I don’t, I don’t. And the responsibility is mine, not anyone else’s.”

The pair have completed one rehearsal so far and Slater is impressed with her partner’s progress in the early stages of the competition.

“We’re slowly getting into the steps,” she explained. “And honestly, with Reggie, it’s more about him having a feel for a good groove.”

VelJohnson teased that he “didn’t know” that Slater thought he had a good sense of rhythm. The professional dancer teased that the most important thing was that VelJohnson remembered the steps. To boost his confidence, Slater highlighted the actor’s past to remind him of his talent.

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“I showed him some videos of Family matters,” she said. “I was like, ‘That was you. Do you remember doing that?’ And he was like, ‘Oh yeah.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, do that again!’”

The legendary sitcom, in which VelJohnson played beloved TV dad Carl Winslow, celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. VelJohnson hinted that he and Slater might pay tribute to the series.

VelJohnson is one of 13 celebrities competing for the mirror ball in season 33. The cast also includes Stephen Nedoroscik, Ilona Maher, Tori Spelling, Anna Delvey, Joey Graziadei, Phaedra Parks, Chandler Kinney, Dwight Howard, Eric Roberts, Brooks Nader, Jenn Tran And Daniel Amendola.

Dancing with the stars Premieres on ABC on Tuesday, September 17 at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes will air live simultaneously on ABC and Disney+ and be available on Hulu the next day.

With report by Christina Garibaldi