‘I Want To Dance For Ever!'

Strictly’s surprise star Michelle Visage on tough partner Giovanni and embracing being judged

- Caren Clark

Strictly Come Dancing

SATURDAY, SUNDAY / BBC1 / TIMES VARY

Her fierce work ethic, dynamic dance-floor moves and endearing weekly tribute of ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you’ to the viewers who vote for her and professional partner Giovanni Pernice have made Michelle Visage one of the standout stars of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

And when TV Times catches up with the firm-but-fair RuPaul’s Drag Race UK judge for an exclusive chat, she’s fizzing with excitement about the fun she’s having in the ballroom.

This week, the remaining celebs head to Blackpool, and here, Michelle, 51, tells us why she’d love to reach this stage of the contest and how she’s honoured to be inspiring other women…

You’ve had some great scores – is the Glitterball in your sights?

It’s waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too far off! Blackpool has been the next milestone and we’ve got something huge planned. But if you get caught up in the excitement, you don’t focus on the dance in hand. So I can’t think about the Glitterball!

Has the Strictly experience been all you expected?

It’s been the most amazing experience and the most difficult thing I’ve asked of my body in the past 30 years. But it’s worth every single bump, bruise and sore muscle – I’m having the best time of my life. The American version [Dancing with the Stars] lost its way in my opinion. People could do whatever interpretation of the dance they want. What I love about Strictly is that it’s strict!

What has been your favourite dance so far?