Anita Rani Talks Nerves And Dirty Dancing Moments On Strictly

Countryfile

presenter Anita Rani, 37, is married and lives in London. She's partnered with dancer Gleb Savchenko.

Strictly struggle?

The nerves. It's hard to stay focused and not let the experience overwhelm me. I find myself waking up in the night thinking about my steps - and even practising while I'm cooking dinner! Before I perform, I take a really deep breeath - I don't want to spoil the experience because I'm terrified, I want to be able to enjoy it.

Strictly strength?

Gleb because he's such an amazing dancer - and he's really strong! Before we started rehearsing, I took him to Shoreditch House, and we sat on the roof, ate pizza and drank vodka martinis.

Strictly surprise?

The speed at which I've toned up; it's funny because I've now got abs, but I'm eating three times more than I would normally.

Funniest moment in sequins?

The moment I saw my launch dress. The first thing I said was, "Where's the rest of it?" But how quickly things turn around because from never having exposed myself to that extent, now I'm like "Bring it on". I'll probably be in a bikini by week seven!

Fantasy dance moment?

I'm sure I'll have it with Gleb when I get to do the rumba with him. I watched Dirty Dancing for the first time a few weeks ago and thought, "I'm Baby and Gleb is Patrick Swayze!" I feel like I'm living out that film on national TV!

Best ever Christmas?

The first Christmas with my husband after we got married. Being Indian, my own family aren't really into Christmas, but my in-laws are big on it. So that year we went all out with the decorating and threw two big parties.

Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One on Saturday and Sunday evenings.