What's the reaction been like since you were announced?
People have been absolutely delighted whether it's the NHS Trust where I work or the Children's Trust or my family and friends. I always knew that Strictly brought joy to people, but I haven't quite seen it first-hand it's been absolutely lovely.

Has that reaction surprise you at all?
Strictly is always something that people look forward to, but this year, where things have been just so tough and miserable for people, somehow they feel even more positive about the fact that it's going to be happening. They frankly feel a bit amazed that I’m going to be doing it.

What do you think about the rest of the lineup?
They seem fabulous. They all look to me as if they could be quite fit and good dancers. It's really exciting that there's going to be the first same-sex couple with Nicola Adams and her partner. I think that's a brilliant thing.

Who do you think is your biggest competition?
All of them I think! Quite scarily I thought to myself, ‘Caroline, is the same age as me’. And then I hear she’s done some dancing in her childhood and teen years. So I suppose she's going to be what people will see as my biggest competition.

Why did you want to take part in Strictly?
The opportunity to have a new adventure at my age, to learn something completely new from the best teachers and dancers in the country is something that just seemed like a fantastic opportunity.

Do you have any previous dance experience?
My mother took me to Scottish Highland dance classes, and I got a bronze medal for dancing a Highland fling and a sword dance! So that and then obviously, being one of the first up on the dance floor at discos and family parties when I was younger. That's about it when it comes to my experience.

What are you looking for in your dance partner?
Somebody who's very patient, a good teacher. Somebody who will be able to take me from the absolute basics through to something that I hope will impress people in a very short period of time.

What do you think your biggest challenge is going to be?
Well, small issue of not really knowing how to dance. Overcoming my nerves, feeling confident, wearing something slightly skimpier than I would usually wear.

Are you in it to win it?
I'm a very, very competitive person. I hardly ever do anything unless I think I'm going to be able to win. I'm realistic, but I will be trying really hard.

Is there a secret competitive side to you that’s about to come out?
Frankly it's not very secret if you ask anyone who knows me. Anybody who's ever seen me play sport, doing politics or anything else will know that I'm not necessarily always good, but I'm always trying to win.

How do you feel about being Strictly-fied?
Having tried to put on fake tan each summer and have it go all streaky I’m very much looking forward to a proper spray tan which I’ve never had before. Everybody knows that the wardrobe and makeup people on the Strictly team are absolutely fantastic so having them look after me is going to be absolutely amazing.

What do your friends and family think that your dancing ability?
Well, they do know that I like to shake my bits on the dance floor given half a chance. But they also know, I haven't actually had any proper training. So they're a little bit nervous. I’ve promised them I’m going to try really hard not to let the family down on national television.

Do you have a favourite dance/competitor from previous series?
Well, I’ve been lucky that Ed Balls has talked to me and give me some advice. I'm not sure that I would ever be able to match his Gangnam Style. But I always love the look of a tango and I was fortunate enough to see a tango in a Buenos Aires tango bar. It's something that has stayed with me forever and the opportunity to do something like that would be absolutely amazing.

Has he been giving you tips on how to perform his Gangnam Style?
I've only been on the phone with him so far. But obviously, I should be watching. I should replay the video and watch very, very carefully. What he told me which I think is really, really important advice is people love Strictly and they love you taking it seriously and trying hard and that's absolutely what I'm going to be doing.