Being on the show is a huge thing for me

Former Coronation Street Star Catherine Tyldesley, 35, has been open about previously struggling with her weight, having gone from a dress size 22 to a slim 10, but says Strictly has made her feel more confident than ever.

“I don’t think ‘Fat Cath’ would ever imagine she would be doing Strictly,” said the mum-of-one, who played Eva Price during her time on the cobbles.

“I’ve still got body hang-ups and (being on the show) is a huge thing for me. But at the same time it’s really liberating. Ordinarily, I would completely shy away from dance or anybody watching my body. But the rehearsals have been so much fun, within an hour I don’t care what I look like.

“I think dancing makes you confident because it’s so enjoyable. Your body also surprises you with what it can do. When I was first showed the routine I thought, ‘Oh I can’t do that’. Then two hours later I was doing it. I feel like it’s almost a celebration of your body.”

Meanwhile, an aristocratic star of this year’s Strictly, Emma Thynn has spoken of her regret at giving up ballet when she was youngster.

Lady Weymouth, 33, who is married to Ceawlin, Viscount Weymouth, and lives at Longleat, one of the most spectacular stately homes in Britain, said: “I am athletic and I exercise a lot so I might look like I dance but I don’t. I gave up ballet when I was four because I was so shy. How I regret that now.”

A model and former actress, she has been offered other TV work but could not refuse Strictly. She said: “I’ve been offered many shows. I always turn them down but this is different.”