'Weight is my handicap!': Vanessa Feltz opens up about her fears for Strictly Come Dancing as her partner insists she's not the comedy act
By FAY STRANG
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So it’s unsurprising that Vanessa Feltz hasn’t been shy about discussing her weight as she gears up for Strictly Come Dancing.
Opening up about the competition the 51-year-old told the Radio Times that she believes weight is her handicap compared with her competitors.
Worries: Vanessa Feltz has admitted that she thinks weight is one of her handicaps on this years Strictly Come Dancing
Do not worry: James Jordan has told Vanessa that she will not be the comedy act of the show
Back to the day job: Vanessa is combining her dance training with her duties as a radio presenter, seen on Tuesday arriving at BBC Radio 1
Speaking about her disadvantages she said: ‘Age, weight, lack of talent ... but no lack of desire. I hope the judges give me a chance - Craig (Revel Horwood) pitched in before I'd even done a step.’
But while the broadcaster, who has been paired with James Jordan in the new series of the BBC1 ballroom dancing show, is worried about looking silly her professional partner has assured her she won’t.
He said they would not follow in the footsteps of Ann Widdecombe and John Sergeant, whose clumsy dancefloor routines provided much entertainment on previous series.
She's ready: Sophie Ellis-Bextor has said that she is now ready to make a fool of herself
Elegant: Abbey says she will miss her children but she's ready for the challange
Mixed reactions: Deborah Meaden said her fellow dragons were stunned by her decision
Jordan said: ‘I want Vanessa to be reassured she won't look silly. We're not going to do comedy. We want to do proper dancing.’
And speaking about how she ended up doing the show Feltz told the Radio Times: ‘I did a routine as Cher with my bottom hanging out for Let's Dance for Comic Relief - they asked me because of that.’
Fellow contestant Deborah Meaden said she dreaded the prospect of being lifted up by her dance partner Robin Windsor because she broke her pelvis in a riding accident a few years ago.
Gold finger: Bond girls Fiona Fullerton seems more than ready to hit the floor with Anton Du Beke
Excited: Mark Benton looks eager to show off what he has learnt from partner Iveta Lukosiute
Nerve-wracking: Ashley Taylor Dawson is anxious as his partner is due to go into labour around the time of first live show
Meanwhile, Hollyoaks star Ashley Taylor Dawson told the magazine he could be rehearsing his steps in a hospital corridor.
‘The only problem is that my fiancee is pregnant with our second child, due on 26 September - the day before the first live show,’ he said.
‘If she's early we'll be rehearsing in the hospital corridor, and if she's late - well, we'll have to deal with that as we come to it.’
Role reversal: Susanna Reid has been making the headlines rather than reading them recently
Arm strength: Ben Cohen will no doubt show off his muscles alongside Kristina Rihanoff
WAG Abbey Crouch also has children on the mind telling the Radio Times' 90 Anniversary issue: ‘Every new mum knows how hard it is being at home. It’s such a precious time, but my little girl is two now, and I need some me time. ‘
Read the full interviews in this week’s Radio Times, on sale Tuesday 24 September 2013 (for listings 28 Sept-4 October)
Cover stars: The dancers appear on special covers for the magazine's anniversary
Mixing it up: There are two covers which showcase all of this year's stars
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2430326/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2013-Vanessa-Feltz-opens-fears.html#ixzz2fprL7KxE
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