Natasha: Nerves don’t compare

Natasha Kaplinsky – who won the first series of Strictly Come Dancing – has told how she has never experienced nerves to compare with her debut dance on the show.

The TV presenter had been reluctant to appear on the new dance contest as she believed it might be risky for her career and was not persuaded by the wardrobe department showing her the skimpy outfits.

But she and Brendan Cole waltzed to victory in 2004 after she had a change of heart when she decided to donate her fee to charity.

Kaplinsky said: “I’ve never experienced nerves like I did that first Saturday – before or since. I remember standing at the top of the stairs waiting to begin and the pit of my stomach lurched.”

She still has her glitterball trophy, but added: “It’s suffered a few accidents and is rather bashed up.”