I’ve lost weight already and the contest hasn’t started
Former Xposé presenter steps out as she ditches her mic for the DWTS dancef loor
GLENDA Gilson says punishing rehearsals for her turn on RTÉ’s Dancing With The Stars have seen her shed the pounds.
While the glamorous presenter already boasts an enviable physique, she has trimmed down and toned up even more as she is put through a rigorous training schedule ahead of her dancing debut.
Showbiz gal Glenda, who become a new mum to baby Bobby in 2017, said the punishing preparation and rehearsals, coupled with mammy duties, have had an impact.
‘My jeans are loose. That’s how I measure,’ she laughed before adding ‘I’ve definitely toned up quicker than I’ve ever done before.’
Virgin Media star Glenda is well used to punishing schedules. As one of the hosts of showbiz show Xposé for over 11 years she put in the legwork and is very well acquainted with gruelling workloads on the celebrity circuit.
But the Castleknock native says taking to the dancefloor on DWTS will see her step off the red carpet and well out of her comfort zone.
‘I’m not a dancer, as people will soon see’
‘I’m used to having a mic in my hand and talking, so this is all totally new to me,’ she told the Irish Mail on Sunday.
But she says her lack of dance experience didn’t sway her from agreeing to ditch her mic for spangly dresses and ballerina pumps.
‘I’m a fan of the show,
I was always watching it. And you’re getting this opportunity to learn to dance. Now,
I’m not a dancer, as people will soon see but it’s just been an experience, it’s been a challenge for me. I’m finding it difficult.
‘It doesn’t come natural to me, I have two left feet… awkward Annie. But
I’m enjoying the experience.’
Glenda was partnered with
Polish professional dancer Rob
Rowinski, who joined the RTÉ dance show in series two, when he was coupled with Maia Dunphy. Last year Robert danced his way right to the final with country singer Cliona Hagan, but the pair lost out to Mairéad Ronan who took home the Glitterball trophy.
So Robert will be itching to claim his first DWTS victory and with the fiercely determined Glenda on his arm.
Glenda is full of praise for her coach. ‘Rob is such a professional, he is so talented, but I forgot about the whole live TV bit,’ she said.
‘Rob would make you sick how that body can move so I’m hoping people are mesmerised by him and don’t look at me.’
But before she takes to the floor in January she is looking forward to kicking off her dance shoes and enjoying Christmas with her family. She said: ‘This is [my son] Bobby’s second Christmas and it’s great, he knows what’s going on.’ niamh.walsh@mailonsunday.ie