1D boys lead line-up for live shows
the former
Emmerdale and Hollyoaks star, 32, signed on the dotted line after her mum convinced her the show was too good to turn down.
Gemma exclusively told the Daily Star Sunday: “I didn’t say yes straight away. In fact I almost turned it down.
“I was worried about Strictly throwing me back into the spotlight and I was scared of performing on live TV each week in front of 12million people.
“I’ve been in huge shows like Emmerdale, Casualty and Hollyoaks but I’m used to pre-recording everything.
“I actually stopped doing live theatre about 10 years ago because it is so nerve-racking, but I’ll just have to get over that.” It wasn’t until BBC bosses gave Gemma an ultimatum that she agreed to take part. She said: “After two weeks they chased my agent for an answer.
“My mum told me it was such an amazing opportunity and I would be silly to turn it down. I always think it is better to do something and it go wrong than regret not doing something and never knowing, so I said yes.”
Gemma also sought advice from former contestants and TV pals Alison Hammond, Ashley Taylor Dawson and Thom Evans.
She said: “I did ask quite a few people. Everyone I’ve asked has said it is one of the most amazing experiences.”
Fitness fanatic Gemma has given up booze to prepare for the contest.
She denied her incredible physique would give her an unfair advantage, adding: “I’d like to think I’m fit enough to do it but I don’t have any dance experience at all so that’s not going to be enough to get me through.”
Other celebs taking part include comedian Brian Conley, presenter Ruth Langsford, the late Paul Daniels’ wife Debbie McGee and pop stars Alexandra Burke and Aston Merrygold. former winners James Arthur and Little Mix. Other big names being lined up include Pink, Fifth Harmony, Demi Lovato and Stormzy.
Our TV source said: “Harry and Louis are the first One Direction boys to be confirmed for the live shows.
“All the former 1D members are expected to release more music before Christmas so all five could potentially perform. The most unlikely is Zayn due to his crippling stage fright and the way he walked out on the band.”
The Daily
Star Sunday can also reveal that judge Nicole Scherzinger has landed the most glamorous judges’ houses destination after promising producers she would “arrive naked on a jet ski”. Nicole and the Overs category will head to South Africa, where a safari could be in store. Louis Walsh will pick his final three wannabes from his Boys category in Turkey. Sharon Osbourne, who has the Girls, will head to an as yet undisclosed location in Europe. Boss Simon Cowell will once again film in America.