10lb lighter... and the tan doesn’t come from a can
ELEVEN pairs of determined dancers will step out tonight, but all eyes will be on Marty Morrissey, who reveals to the Irish Mail on Sunday today that he is already 10lb lighter, since he started his training.
And the country’s most versatile sports commentator has declared that his deep tan is ‘100% real’, though he may have to opt for a touch-up from the spray can in the coming weeks.
Marty told the MoS it took a lot of persuading from ‘some of my own bosses’ plus close friends and family before he agreed to go on. And they all had one firm piece of advice: ‘Yes, go for it, and try not to make an eejit of yourself at the same time.’
Marty was also given great encouragement from last year’s people’s champion, Des Cahill, but didn’t specify whether that included dance moves.
‘Des and I had a great chat, he was very encouraging and he said he thought I should do it. And he really enjoyed it. He couldn’t have been more positive,’ Marty said.
Training since before Christmas, he is delighted with his steady progress, revealing: ‘I have lost about 10lbs, It’s the influence of these beautiful people, they are all so slim and you feel guilty having your can of Coke. I copy them, if I’m honest, having salads and water.
‘This is the chance to do something for three weeks, and if you can get something more out of it then all the better. I am drinking loads of water, which I never normally do.
‘It gives you a chance to recalibrate your own life.’
Marty is partnered with Ksenia Zsikhotska, and sources have revealed there is ‘real chemistry’ between the pair. But he laughed off warnings of the ‘Strictly curse’, saying his focus is on dance and not romance.
He explained: ‘There’s no mention of romance. Everybody is so focused on the performance and trying not to make a fool of themselves.’
And his partner of over 20 years Liz Kidney has no qualms about her dancing man.
‘We’re a good combination. We’ve done few moves at home,’ he said. But he was keen to say: ‘My tan is natural. I want you to emphasise that. I’ve never had a spray tan and I’m not getting one this week. Although I might
get one next week’.