‘I think I’m Britney after a few drinks’ – Gemma joins Strictly
STATUESQUE Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson has revealed she fears being dropped by her Strictly Come Dancing partner because of her height.
The 5ft 9in actress, who became the fourth name confirmed for the ballroom dancing show, hopes she is paired up with a “tall and strong” pro on the new BBC1 series.
Atkinson, 32, who played Carly Hope on the ITV soap, said spray tans, heels and sparkly dresses were out of her comfort zone.
“I did disco dancing from age nine to 10 but it was kind of like cartwheels across the floor, cartwheels back and then go home,” she told BBC Breakfast. “As far as any dance training goes I’ve not had any.”
The actress admitted: “After a few drinks I kind of think I’m Britney Spears but I’m absolutely not, so I’m not good at all.”
Atkinson has one fear – being dropped.
“I’m 5ft 9in, I’m big for a girl, so as long as it’s (her dance partner) someone tall and strong because I don’t want someone lifting me and dropping me. That’s my only fear, being dropped,” she said.
She told Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty, a previous Strictly contestant, and Charlie Stayt that “sparkly frocks” were “out of my comfort zone”, adding “even wearing heels for me is a big one.”
Meanwhile, Coronation Street actress Beverley Callard has claimed the soap’s cast are stopped from taking part in Strictly because of ITV and BBC “malarkey”.
The soap star, who portrays Liz McDonald in Corrie, wished This Morning’s Ruth Langsford luck on the forthcoming series yesterday.
Langsford asked her if she would ever consider taking part in the popular BBC show.
Callard said: “They won’t let us, that’s the only reality show I would do. I am very jealous.”