This job is like being in the army

150 SIT-UPS, 5 TIMES AROUND THE GROUND, BEAR CRAWLS AND A MIGHTY 240 HIGH-KICKS

this year she had to do it all again as the Dolphins start from scratch every season.

Holly said: “I was much more nervous this year. I realised what I had to lose if I didn’t make it. It’s the same thing again – training camp, learning the routines and fitness. I didn’t realise the demands – it’s harder than I thought.”

Holly recalled her first time in the spotlight – the 2016 season opener at home to the Cleveland Browns last September.

She said: “Performing in front of 65,000 people was nerve-wracking. But after the first time I was just excited to go out for the next game and the next and the next.”

NFL games last more than three hours with intervals and stoppages in play. Holly explained: “We have a big half-time dance, but the rest of the time we do sideline routines. When the guys play we stand still. When there is a stoppage, the music starts, we spin round and dance again.” Of the skimpy costume she said: “I love it, very sexy, very pretty. But you need to keep in shape for it to look good on you.”

Holly has been on Dolphins tours of the UK, Belgium, Germany and Holland and entertained US troops serving in Kosovo.

She is also a regular host of Dolphin Daily, a 90-second online news slot – and doesn’t rule out a move into the media.

Meanwhile, a trip back to the UK beckons in October, when the Dolphins play the New Orleans Saints in one of the London NFL fixtures at Wembley Stadium.

Holly said: “I’m really excited. It’s the first chance for my family to see me perform.”

And mum Judy will be there in spirit... giving Holly the loudest cheer of all.

features@sundaymirror.co.uk