Think about legendary Strictly Come Dancing contestants and EastEnders star Jake Wood, who took part in the show's 12th series with Janette Manrara, springs to mind. Not least because he earned a name for himself as having a natural talent for wiggling his hips.
Jake reached the semi-final thanks to his legendary hip wiggling, so it’s little surprise that his EastEnders pal Emma Barton, who’s dancing in this year’s show, has already spoken to him for advice.
“[He] said if all else fails just wiggle those hips. It worked for him, I just don’t think I’m going to do it as well as he did…” Emma said.
Despite her reservations, Emma hopes her stint performing in Chicago on the west end will stand her in good stead.
“That was ten years ago, I haven’t really done anything since, I’ve been doing telly and plays but I’ve got musicality, I’ve got good ears for music, I’m hoping that will help me,” she said.
“Chicago is so different [to this]. I’ve not learned any of the styles we’re going to be learning. I’m hoping the musicality will give me an advantage.”
Emma said she’s most looking forward to “the ballroom, the waltzing, because I’ll feel like a Hollywood star” as well as “the costumes, the hair, the elegance.”
She admitted she’s a little worried about the faster dances but cites her supportive cast mates as great allies to help her through and is definitely getting the preparation work done now.
“I actually had an ice bath after every rehearsal last week, it was horrendous but I thought: ‘If it’s gonna help, get in it Barton.’”
Strictly Come Dancing returns on 7 September at 7.40pm on BBC One.
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