'It feels like I'm in a box and I'm never let out': Claudia Fragapane reveals being on Strictly has been a welcome break from her 'sheltered' life as a gymnast
Strictly semi-finalist Claudia Fragapane has revealed that, despite the intense training regime she is subjected to on the dancing show, it's still a pleasant break from her life as a professional gymnast.
The 19-year-old - who competed in the Rio Olympics this summer - is one of the last remaining contenders in this year's season of Strictly Come Dancing - and has consistently impressed the judges along with her pro partner AJ Pritchard.
And on Tuesday's edition of This Morning, the young star opened up about how her life as a gymnast compares to her life as a dancer.
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'It feels like I'm in a box and I'm never let out': Claudia Fragapane reveals that being on Strictly has been a welcome break from her regimental life as a gymnast
Commenting on how sheltered her life has been thus far, presenter Holly Willoughby said: 'You took the train for the first time on Strictly, didn't you?'
'My parents have always taken me back and forth from home to the gym,' Claudia explained. 'They have done for 12 years.
'It feels like I'm in a box and I'm never let out,' the sportswoman declared boldly. 'It's nice to see how people live in the real world.'
Thanks to partner AJ's constant updates on Instagram, it seems that Claudia's training regimen for the BBC dance show is far from relaxing.
Sheltered existence: Commenting on how sheltered her life has been thus far, presenter Holly Willoughby said: 'You took the train for the first time on Strictly, didn't you?'
The life of a gymnast: 'My parents have always taken me back and forth from home to the gym,' Claudia explained. 'They have done for 12 years. It feels like I'm in a box and I'm never let out'
From the balance beam to the dance floor: The young star opened up about how her life as a gymnast compares to her life as a dancer
A pair of pros: The 19-year-old - who competed in the Rio Olympics this summer - is one of the last remaining contenders in this year's season of Strictly Come Dancing - and has consistently impressed the judges along with her pro partner AJ Pritchard
But she elaborated on other ways being on the show has made her feel freer.
'I didn't have much confidence in myself. It's helped bring myself out.'
'You also must feel positively over-dressed,' Holly remarked, alluding to the fact that gymnasts wear very little, even in comparison to some of the outfits on Strictly.
'In comparison, yes,' Claudia said. 'Those leotards go up my bum!
'I'm a lot more covered now. I've also had to learn to walk in heels.'
No pain, no gain: Thanks to partner AJ's constant updates on Instagram, it seems that Claudia's training regimen for the BBC dance show is far from relaxing
Overdressed: 'You also must feel positively over-dressed,' Holly remarked, alluding to the fact that gymnasts wear very little, even in comparison to some of the outfits on Strictly.
A whole new experience: 'Those leotards go up my bum! 'I'm a lot more covered now. I've also had to learn to walk in heels,' Claudia explained, referring to gymnastics and dancing
Vigorous training: Thanks to partner AJ's constant updates on Instagram, it seems that Claudia's training regimen for the BBC dance show is far from relaxing
She was joined on the This Morning sofa by partner AJ, whose first year of Strictly this is.
'I was a newcomer,' he said. 'But Claudia has been an amazing first partner.
'It helps to have a partner who has a competitive drive. And her strength as a gymnast helps.'
'Do you have your eyes on the glitterball?' asked Phillip Schofield of the pair.
Eyes on the prize: 'Do you have your eyes on the glitterball?' asked Phillip Schofield of the pair
High praise: AJ said - 'Claudia has been an amazing first partner. It helps to have a partner who has a competitive drive. And her strength as a gymnast helps'
'I didn't have much confidence in myself': Claudia elaborated on other ways being on the show has made her feel freer
Determined: 'I really want to get to the final,' Claudia admitted. 'I really want to learn every dance'
'I really want to get to the final,' Claudia admitted. 'I really want to learn every dance.'
Of her time in the dance off two weeks ago, when Greg Rutherford was sent home, Claudia admitted she felt extremely emotional.
'I almost cried,' she revealed. 'It was horrible to have to compete against him.
'When I used to watch the show, I never understood why everyone on it seems to cry. But now I know.'
Claudia will compete in the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final this weekend alongside former singer Louise Redknapp, 42, TV presenter Ore Oduba, 30, and Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac, 28.
Newbies: She was joined on the This Morning sofa by partner AJ, whose first year of Strictly this is
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4005616/Claudia-Fragapane-reveals-Strictly-welcome-break-regimental-life-gymnast.html#ixzz4S6wpzar0
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