Competing in Strictly Come Dancing would no doubt be a daunting experience for anyone, but Anneka Rice has certainly got a big journey ahead of her when she takes to the dance floor this autumn.
The presenter and broadcaster revealed at a press day ahead of the 2019 series that she’s starting from scratch when it comes to her experience level and actually finds dancing ‘humiliating’.
“I genuinely have never danced, I’ve got a real thing about dancing - I find it embarrassing and humiliating,” Anneka said.
“I was [kicked out] of my dance class when I was a child for being lumpy and un-coordinated,” she explained.
“It’s a real barrier. No one’s ever seen me dance, not my family at a wedding, disco, club, never. I’m the one holding the coats.
“There probably won’t be anyone out there who hasn’t done it, because everyone has danced, but I haven’t,” she said.
With this in mind, it’s obvious to ask why on earth Anneka is putting herself through dancing live for the nation's viewing pleasure.
“I suddenly thought I can’t go through life not learning to do something I long to be good at,” she said.
“I love watching dance, I go along to Central School of Ballet and paint the rehearsals. I immerse myself in dance all the time, so I thought I’d tackle [my fear].”
Go Anneka!
Strictly Come Dancing returns on 7 September at 7.40pm on BBC One.
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