‘You can’t come in and be another Len’

for your partner, give an honest account and deal with it as best as you can.

‘Everyone’s very aware of the so-called “Strictly Curse”. Jealousy for any relationship is tough but it’s very much heightened on Strictly because of the relationship you form with your partner.

‘I’d hate to be on the other side — I’d hate to be a celebrity’s partner on the show watching it unfold, seeing their partners change and develop, be it their body shape, mentally or emotionally. Unless you’ve done the show you can’t fathom what it does to you.

‘I’m a happily married man and I love being a dad. I used to think marriage was just a piece of paper but it’s more than that. It’s like home. It’s saying: “This is the person I’m proud to be with”.

‘The Strictly fantasy bubble is amazing but when your dancing shoes go into the bag at night and you go home to a cuddle from your daughter, that’s what life is about. That’s part of the excitement of the future.

‘Strictly is all encompassing for five months of the year, which hasn’t always been easy for Zoe. ‘But the show will go on and the show will still be fantastic. Ultimately it’s about two people creating magic on the dance floor. That was my passion and what I loved doing.

‘The producers who have made these decisions — whether it’s getting rid of me or taking on Shirley as head judge — they make decisions that become part of the show’s legacy. But they don’t own the show. The show is owned by the nation.

‘I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of people who have shown me that in the past week. I wasn’t expecting such supportive comments. I thought 50 per cent of people would say: “Good bloody riddance, can’t stand that guy.” But the reaction has made me think, wow, the future’s bright.’