Why are you taking part in Strictly this year?
Strictly has always been our family’s favourite show, we’re total Saturday night Strictly addicts but I never thought I’d have the chance to be on it myself, it’s a dream come true really. Yvette is hugely envious she’s always wanted to be on Strictly, she’s a great dancer so she said to me you’ve got to do it – so I’m doing it for Yvette.
Which judge would you like to impress the most?
I think the person I want to impress most is Len because it’s his last series and he is like the doyen of Strictly judges and I think he’s a great chair because he’s very measured, thoughtful and I think very fair. All the judges are very knowledgeable, but not all of them I can predict as well as Len. I tend to think Len has got his finger on the pulse of the nation when it comes to judging. I think if Len is less than favourable it will just inspire me to work harder because I want to do well for him.
Have any previous contestants given you any helpful advice or tips?
I spoke to Jeremy Vine a few times before it was announced to get his view and he said it was the best thing he’s ever done and he loved it and he said you’ll never ever regret doing it, he had a fabulous time. Jeremy was the person who swung it for me to do it. Of course there are doubts because if you’re a total novice the idea that you would dance live on television, in front of millions of people you’d have to be a bit crackers really but Jeremy Vine said embrace the crackers in you and that’s what I’m doing. Ann Widdecombe and Edwina Curry have both been giving me advice too and I’m going to build on their insights.
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