Our Strictly Stories

Stars Caroline Quentin, Maisie Smith and Ranvir Singh chat to TV Times about their very different dance journeys…

STRICTLY COME DANCING SATURDAY & SUNDAY / BBC1 / 7.25PM / ENTERTAINMENT

‘I hope I encourage others to dance’

Actor Caroline, 60, is taking to the floor with Johannes

What made you want to trip the light fantastic on Strictly?

I’m hoping I’m actually going to learn some proper skills in this show. When you do a musical, as a slightly older person you’ll be taught a few steps, then other dancers make you look good. I’m excited about working one on-one with a professional dancer and spending every day with someone who’s really good at something.

Which dances are you most excited about learning?

I’m slightly trepidatious about those dances with the very fiddly feet because I think I’m gonna fall over. I’m really hoping that, having shown off for a living, when I get to do some of the more dramatic dances, I won’t be too embarrassed to really go for it. I’m going to try and use all that stuff to cover up for any nasty footwork or any bad arms!

We hear you have celebrity supporters!

Amanda Holden [who starred with Caroline in BBC1 sitcom Kiss Me Kate] very sweetly has supported me. She’s a really good dancer! And Elizabeth Hurley and her son, Damian, are complete authorities on Strictly, so they gave me tips. Mostly, people seem really excited that I’m doing this during what is a really gloomy time. They’ve been saying, ‘Just enjoy it for us!’

How do you feel about the physical challenge of doing a show like this?