Night feeder to Strictly night fever
Travolta moves and taking his top off...it’s Kelvin’s jive talking
STRICTLY stand-in Kelvin Fletcher says he is training to be the show’s John Travolta – and will happily strip off to win votes.
Kelvin, 35, who played Andy Sugden in Emmerdale for 20 years, was called up to replace injured Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing.
The actor, who is paired with pro Oti Mabuse, said: “It’s been the most surreal week of my life.
“I’m coming in on the back of Jamie’s injury – I keep thinking about him.
“I took my daughter for her first day at school last week and I feel like I’m going through the same thing myself.” But the excited father of two, whose dancing experience is “exclusively at weddings or parties with alcohol involved and in the dark”, also had a reality check this week.
Kelvin posted a picture of his baby son Milo’s milk sterilising kit and told his Twitter followers: “Strictly is amazing but being a dad and making my son’s night feed is still the best job.” He insisted the broken sleep will not stop him training hard, adding: “I pride myself on my work ethic, so if we need to stay in the studio to get a certain dance move right, that’s fine.
“I’ve got an idea of how I’d love to look. I want to be smooth, going around the dancefloor like John Travolta. But in reality that might not be the case! I’ve just got to work really hard.”
Asked to reveal his signature move, the star, who appeared on The All New Monty charity TV show, said: “I’ll probably just take my top off. Every time I’ve had a beer that’s something I’ve done with my friends... I think it’s a northern thing!”
Kelvin admitted he is looking forward to a spray tan and costumes, adding: “When else am I going to get the chance to wear sequins and glitter? It’s a great chance for people to see a different side to me. I’ll give anything a go.”
He was given Jamie’s slot and teamed with Oti after the reality TV star hurt himself recording the launch show.
Kelvin said: “I couldn’t believe I’d been lucky enough to get Oti. She’s my favourite. It’s brilliant.”
● Strictly live shows start on BBC1 from September 21.