Keeeep DANCING!

LUBA MUSHTUK and NICK KNOWLES talk training, tactics and the Glitterball trophy

- HANNAH DAVIES

STRICTLY COME DANCING
SAT, 6.15PM, & SUN, 7.15PM, BBC1 ENTERTAINMENT

Nick Knowles has already had a busy morning trying to master the fancy footwork for his next routine with professional partner Luba Mushtuk when TV Times catches up with them for an exclusive interview about their journey so far on BBC1's sparkle-fest Strictly Come Dancing.

While Nick is more likely to be seen sporting a hard hat and work boots as the host of BBC1's DIY SOS, he's clearly having a ball embracing the Cuban heels and all the sequins - even if rehearsing seven hours a day is tougher than he ever imagined...

I've got to say, it's the most physical thing I've ever done,' he reveals. 'I really hate running, but at the moment, I'd rather go on a 10-mile run than dance.

What makes it even harder is that we're trying to turn what is effectively a hippopotamus into a swan!' Here, Nick, 62, and Luba, 34, tell us more...

So, how is the training going so far?

NICK There's no getting away from the fact that as a 62-yearold who put a load of weight on during lockdown, it's a challenge. But Luba is fantastically patient. It's more me getting frustrated with myself than anything else.

LUBA He's really tough on himself, but, of course, it takes time for someone who, like Nick, has never danced before.

He's a wonderful student and he works so hard.

Is it proving tougher than you thought, Nick?

NICK It’s the most physically draining thing ever. I’m 6ft 2in and 17.5st, and there’s only so far you can push yourself at 62. But Luba is on top of that. She’s like, ‘You need rest, take a drink.’ I’m very much like a mobile phone – you can actually start to see when my batteries are getting low! The other day I only made it to 4.30pm before I was done.