My friends joke I’ll be flirty dancing on Strictly Come Dancing, says Laura Whitmore
As the latest star to join the Strictly line up, Laura takes over Dan Wooton's TV column for the day
MOST Strictly stars are petrified its dreaded curse will strike down their relationship.
But contestant LAURA WHITMORE says her friends joke she could do the opposite and bag herself a man.
The Irish presenter has been the target of relentless teasing from her friends about spending hours every day holding on to a hunky dancer.
In an exclusive chat single Laura revealed: “I did laugh when they were talking about your dance partner. I was like: ‘Is it dance partner or is it a future husband?’
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“Friends who have been on the show told me you make best friends for life. They said you do become close as your dance partner is such a big figure to you and you rely on them so much. So it’s not actually romantic.
“Then again, the show has made a lot of couples. How many relationships have come out of it? Quite a few.”
"I'm not looking for anything, but I wouldn't mind going to a wedding if somebody else is looking to get together."
She was confirmed as the third star of this year’s series yesterday, joining former politician ED BALLS and singer WILL YOUNG — so I’ve let her take over Bizarre TV for the day.
Laura, who left her hosting position on ITV2’s I’m a Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here Now! after five years to appear on the BBC dancing show, split from SUNSET SONS star RORY WILLIAMS earlier this year.
She also briefly dated model DAVID GANDY, rocker MILES KANE and Game of Thrones RICHARD MADDEN.
But it was her break-up with CORONAS frontman DANNY O’REILLY in 2012 that knocked her for six — and forced mum Carmel to fly out to be by her side in Australia.
Laura described Carmel as her “rock”, adding: “Strictly is probably her favourite show.
“She’ll be coming over the first few weeks in case I’m voted off! That flight is not half as bad as Australia.
“They asked me to take part in the past and I got to the stage where they might not ask me again. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t done it and hasn’t loved it.”
After I told yesterday how fellow contestant Will had been slightly economical with the truth about his dancing ability, Laura added: “The only dance lessons I’ve had were at school and I won’t be joining Riverdance any time soon. My limbs go everywhere, a bit like Bambi on ice.”
Laura has not ruled out trying to extend her time on the show like pal ALESHA DIXON, who became a judge after winning in 2007.
Asked if she would like to present Strictly one day, she said: “TESS DALY and CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN are doing a great job but you never know.
“I love Strictly. It’s great to see two females hosting it — one of the first times that’s happened on a big show.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Laura has already tried on a few sequin dresses to get ready for the show.
The Beeb’s wardrobe team also fished out one of Countryfile presenter ANITA RANI’s costumes from last year’s show to slip into.
Laura said: “It really gets you into character when you see yourself in it.”
Why I'm Fonda training
LAURA has been preparing for Strictly’s tough moves with retro aerobics classes.
The telly host loves going to legendary actress JANE FONDA-style exercise sessions to improve strength.
Movie star Jane has been making workout videos since the Eighties, when OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN hit Let’s Get Physical helped boost the aerobics craze.
And Laura hopes the retro moves will help her stay up during lifts on the dancefloor.
She revealed: “I do a few workout classes. I did a Jane Fonda aerobics course.
“It was like Let’s Get Physical and it’s the fitness that helps. There’s a bit of choreography to aerobics so if they want me to do scissor jumps, I can!
“I was at a wedding and somebody lifted me up like Dirty Dancing. I was like, ‘Ow, I’ve not got the core strength’. So I have to work on that.”
Laura has also upped her fitness by sweating it out in hot yoga classes where temperatures rise to 40C.
She explained: “I go to Bikram yoga a lot. I do that four times a week. I love it – I’m obsessed.
“Once you get through the first week of hating yourself, it’s great. If it’s a really busy class it can get bad. I had a man’s head sweat on my foot. That could happen on Strictly!”
Hopefully only in training.
Support from celeb friends
CLOSE friends who have gone on to Strictly glory will be giving Laura secret tips during the show.
She has sought the advice of former winners ALESHA DIXON and CAROLINE FLACK, as well as PIXIE LOTT who made the quarter-finals back in 2014.
Laura said: “Alesha told me to work hard and that’s something I’m focused on.
“I’m still a working presenter and have jobs on during that time, but I still want to train. Caroline also said she had the most fun and I would love it.”
I first revealed how Laura had signed up for the show to bring some very obvious glamour to the occasion.
But it meant some awkward questions for her good pal, Pixie.
Laura added: “Pixie was in Dublin recently for Breakfast at Tiffany’s and all her interviews were about me doing Strictly, as they know we’re pals.”
I think it’ll be the making of her.