Dancing the quickstep with Kevin Clifton to Jingle Bells

What made you want to return to the dancefloor this year?

I was so surprised to be asked to be back so quickly! I can’t wait to get back into it with the music. I was so lucky to do it in the first place but to be doing it again!

Have you carried on dancing since you left the competition? What's your dancing like now?

It’s comes back very easily mainly because I have kept myself fit, but I did keep it up a bit! Because you get used to it doing the tour as well it comes back easily.

How has training been so far? 

Tough, but fantastic. When I start to dance, something inside of me switches on - I love it.

Have you kept in touch with many of your old classmates?

Absolutely, it’s been two years since I did mine but we meet up all the time. I’ve worked with some of them and seen their different shows. I’ve known Richard Arnold for years!

What's it like to train with a new dance partner?

You have to get used to their way, and their bodies and how tall they are. But I’m loving it! They’re both very similar as they want you to do well and they’re both very patient. And, like Giovanni we have lots of laughs.

Have you been watching the show this year? Who's your money on?

Yes, I am! But I always back Giovanni, I’m so sad he’s out of the competition. He’s doing fabulously especially the tango with Michelle to Addams family - I think that will go down in Strictly history! I don’t always get to see it on the Saturday night so I try on the Sunday night before the results show. I have only missed one week! I think Motsi is fantastic. There was one week where they all danced and Motsi was amazing. She has a lovely way of critiquing by being constructive as well as being bubbly.

How much training have you been able to do?

I think we’ll do as much as we can, but a lot less than the main series where we had months compared to days!

What will you be doing on Christmas day?

I’ve only got one day off because of Panto which I’ve done for a few years, and I always spend Christmas day with my family. This is the first year I’ll put a tree up as I’m usually away but this year I’m closer to home!

Biggest competition?

Oh all of them. It’s not totally about dancing it’s about who the people like. Joe and Dianne have this huge following on social and so has Gemma. People will like that they’re dancing with real life partners - it adds another dimension. It’s anyone’s this Christmas!

What does Christmas mean to you?

Family! We all love everything about Christmas. We love the food and the games in the afternoon. It’s just a lovely family time.