That's gangster! Denise Van Outen gives a nod to the roaring twenties stepping out in fedora as she heads to dance rehearsals
By HANNA FLINT
But the 37-year old musical theatre star showed her taste for the roaring twenties goes beyond the decade's dance crazes, as she headed to rehearsals rocking a 1920s fedora.
Historically, the felt hat was known as the staple item for mobsters and gangsters, but now it's become the fashionable choice for both men and women.
Hats off: Strictly Come Dancing contestant Denise Van Outen rocks a fedora hat as she heads off for dance rehearsals
The mulberry hat adds a dash of colour to the mother-of-one's androgynous outfit, which is a stark contrast to the rails of ultra feminine dresses and costumes Denise will have her pick of on the show.
Wearing a black tuxedo jacket, an oversized white T-shirt with a tiger motif and a pair of black leggings, the TOWIE narrator looked much more suited to dance the male parts in her Strictly routine.
Although her bubbly dance partner James Jordan - who is known for getting angry with the judges on the prime-time TV show - may have something to say about that.
Smiles all round: The 37-year old actress has recovered remarkably well after complaining of flu earlier this week.
The stage school trained actress has been telling everyone who'll listen how much fun she and James are having in the show so far: 'We are very mischievous and naughty but we are having so much fun.'
But her professional dance partner worries his reputation may affect their chances: 'James says it’s not really a dancing competition but a popularity contestant and he’s worried because he thinks he isn’t that popular with viewers.'
'But I’m hoping to get the whole of Essex behind me.'
Feeling better: Earlier this week, Denise was complaining of flu like symptons
Denise had to defend her position in the show recently after Chris Evans claimed she shouldn't be participating on Strictly Come Dancing due to her professional dancing background.
On his BBC Radio 2 show, the DJ said: 'Should Denise Van Outen be allowed to appear on Strictly as she’s appeared in a musical actually dancing?'
However, Denise says she 'hasn't dance properly for 15 years', rating her dancing ability at 'four out of ten' and claiming she can only do 'the basics' of dance.'
Gangster: Denise tips her hat to the roaring twenties as she rocks a fedora hat often seen on mobsters during the historic period
Ouch: Denise Van Outen says her feet have become so painful during Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals she has to practice barefoot.
The presenter had little makeup on her face, but that didn't stop Denise flashing a smile for the waiting paps before driving off to the dance studios.
Earlier this week, she had complained of being sick. On Monday she tweeted: 'I've got a stinking cold. GRRR.'
She's not the only dancing celebrity to be stricken by the sniffles as the illness seems to be making it's way round a lot of the contestants.
Last week, Olympic gymnast Louis moaned: 'Really don't wanna leave my house today feel ill.'
Dani Harmer - who played the title character in CBBC's The Story Of Tracey Beaker - clearly was suffering the most as she caught the male version of the seasonal illness: "I've come down with man-flu. I caught it off Vincent but we've all got it, everyone on 'Strictly'.
Luckily for them, a runny nose won't stop them competing this weekend.
The same can't be said said for TV star Johnny Ball and his partner Aliona Vilani who suffered an injury to her ankle during training. This unfortunate incident rules her out of the competition this Saturday, leaving Johnny's position in the show up in the air.
Strictly will air next Friday October 5 on BBC1 at 9pm.
Cha Cha Cha! Denise Van Outen and James Jordan are hoping the whole of Essex rally behind them
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2210018/Denise-Van-Outen-gives-nod-roaring-twenties-stepping-fedora-heads-dance-rehearsals.html#ixzz27qp4PBNA
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