Celebrities are having dance lessons before Strictly starts

Ex-judge Arlene says it's all about winning now

- SUE CRAWFORD

ARLENE Phillips claims Strictly is now so competitive that some contestants have secret dance lessons beforehand.

The choreographer, THEM who was one of the first judges on the BBC show, said there is now much more emphasis on winning.

One of the favourites this year is Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, who has a dance background and showed off her moves with Strictly pro-Johannes Radebe at a charity event in February. She has defended her appearance on the show, saying she is only trained in "commercial street style" and not traditional ballroom.

Ex-footballer Paul Merson, who yesterday marked nine days until the new series, is likely to be less skilful on the dancefloor.