Strictly Come Dancing star Nigel Harmon has made a surprising admission about his training ahead of taking part in the hotly-anticipated dance competition, admitting he had other plans while his co-stars were getting in shape.
When asked how he prepared for the performance while talking to HELLO! and other reporters, Nigel said: “There’s a fantasy answer to this and a real answer. When I agreed, it got me back into the gym, when I agreed to do it, but not as much as I thought.
WATCH: Strictly Come Dancing shares first look at celebrities ahead of new series
“And then we went and hung out a bit before the summer holidays. That’s when the training was really going to get intense, I’d go running and do all that stuff. I went to France and just ate baguettes and drank wine.
“I didn’t do quite as well as the same one!”
© BBCNigel Harman on Strictly
The star took part in the chat alongside Amanda Abbington, who also opened up about her training, saying: “I thought when I found out I got it I’d be like, ‘Well, I’m going to train every day. I’m going to get it,’ I just didn’t.” I ended up just petting my dogs and reading. I wish I was in the camp because it is difficult, they are athletes. They are amazing. I sit there and watch them leave. I love those who love dancing. They’re just amazing.”
Nigel also spoke about his dance experience, telling the BBC: “I went to Amateur Dramatics in South Croydon, a bit of tap and jazz. I’ve got a degree in musical theater… some shocking ballet dancing! I’m very good from the waist up… big face and good arms…the waist down is shocking…no elasticity, nothing!When I left college, I danced on a cruise ship for six months, not very well to be honest, 17 costume changes in a 35 minute show, stuff like that!
Every previous winner of Strictly Come Dancing
- 2004: Natisha Kaplinsky (partner of Brendan Cole)
- 2004: Jill Halfpenny (partner Darren Bennett)
- 2005: Darren Gough (partner of Lilia Kopylova)
- 2006: Mark Ramprakash (partner of Karen Hardy)
- 2007: Alesha Dixon (partner Matthew Cutler)
- 2008: Tom Chambers (partner of Camilla Dallerup)
- 2009: Chris Hollins (partner of Ola Jordan)
- 2010: Kara Tointon (partner Artem Chigvintsev)
- 2011: Harry Judd (partner of Aliona Vilani)
- 2012: Louis Smith (partner of Flavia Cacace)
- 2013: Abbey Clancy (partner Aljaž Škorjanec)
- 2014: Caroline Flack (partner Pasha Kovalev)
- 2015: Jay McGuiness (partner of Aliona Vilani)
- 2016: Ore Oduba (partner of Joanne Clifton)
- 2017: Joe McFadden (partner of Katya Jones)
- 2018: Stacey Dooley (partner Kevin Clifton)
- 2019: Kelvin Fletcher (partner of Oti Mabuse)
- 2020: Bill Bailey (partner of Oti Mabuse)
- 2021: Rose Ayling-Ellis (partner Giovanni Pernice)
- 2022: Hamza Yassin (partner of Jowita Przystał)
© Photo: RexNigel is best known for starring in EastEnders
“I did some musicals in London when I was just starting out, I replaced the lead, so I had to dance well enough to work in the ensemble, but I’d always start at the back. Very enthusiastic, but not great. I didn’t I didn’t really dance 20 years old! Enthusiastic, with little training. I’ve never learned a ballroom or Latin step.”
You might like it too
Strictly star Adam Thomas admits fears of health issues affecting the series
Strictly star Adam Thomas admits fears of health issues affecting the seriesWhen is Strictly back on our screens?
Strictl will return for its premiere episode on Saturday 16 September 2023, with the show starting in earnest usually a week or two after launch. The first elimination will take place two weeks after the competition.
© Ray Burniston Strictly Come Dancing line-up for 2023
Who is taking part in Strictly 2023?
The full line-up for 2023 is as follows: Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Eddie Kadi, Angela Scanlon, Zara McDermott, Adam Thomas, Nikita Kanda, Ellie Leach, Jody Cundy CBE, Bobby Brazier, Nigel Harman, Annabel Croft and Les Dennis.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education