Strictly Come Dancing

It’s not the first time the comedian has spoken out about his friendship with Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, after fans raised the same question

Amanda Holden‘s co-star and friend Alan Carr has set the record straight about their on-screen chemistry. The duo front a BBC travel series, in which they help renovate properties across Greece, Italy, and Spain. Along with their hard work, viewers have warmed to the pair’s humorous ways and heartfelt conversations – including a recent sad discussion about Amanda’s stillborn son Theo.

Joining Alan on the latest edition of his podcast, Life Is A Beach, Bob Mortimer discussed what it was like working with his co-star Paul Whitehouse on their series Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

After admitting that they couldn’t present in a traditional way, he said the duo decided to take a more natural approach – one that has worked well over the years. “They just like it when we’re chatting,” he told Alan, to which he agreed.

“Yes, that’s true – it’s the chemistry people want, and you can’t fake that,” he went on to say.

Alan added that he’s often asked whether he genuinely likes Amanda, despite their obvious camaraderie on TV. “I mean, people go, ‘Do you really like Amanda?’ I couldn’t be in 40-degree heat in Greece knocking down a partition wall with someone I hate.

“Why would I sign up for that? You have to actually like the person, more than like, you have to really go, ‘Oh hello Amanda, right let’s have a laugh, what have you been up to?’ And I think you can’t actually fake that,” he clarified.

This isn’t the first time Alan has addressed questions about their friendship. On a previous episode of the show, Amanda was surprised that fans had doubted their chemistry.

Alan joked that viewers often comment on her distinctive laugh and ask how he “puts up” with it, to which she quipped: “This is an outrage!”.

Clarifying any lingering doubts, Alan added: “No, no, no. We couldn’t do this job if we didn’t like each other – it would be hell.” Amanda added: “There’s not a single other person I could do it with,” to which he replied: “No, it would have to be you.”

While the pair have enjoyed a successful run on the BBC show, they recently snubbed the idea of presenting Strictly Come Dancing together.

Amid speculation that they might replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, Amanda confirmed on her Heart Radio Breakfast Show with Jamie Theakston: “I want to say now that me and Alan are 100 per cent not doing Strictly. We’re so flattered to be in that mix, but we both are not doing it.”

Speaking to The Daily Mail, the Britain’s Got Talent judge insisted she also wouldn’t be able to fit the role into her already busy schedule juggling family life and her career.

“You see, I am already part of a big show, and I’ll happily carry on watching Strictly from the comfort of my lounge, but it takes up too many weekends, I’ve got to remember that I have children and a husband,” she revealed.

“But I just hope that they still have two females doing it, that’s my big thing. They need somebody super funny, and somebody that you wouldn’t expect.”

Putting forward who she believes could be good for the positions, she suggested The One Show’s Alex Jones, BBC Radio star Zoe Ball and comedians Katherine Ryan and Daisy May Cooper.

This Morning presenter Alison Hammond has confessed to an ‘awful’ moment on Strictly Come Dancing.

Alison Hammond has revealed a mortifying Strictly Come Dancing confession, admitting to an embarrassing incident during her time on the programme.

The This Morning host shot to prominence on Big Brother in 2002, and has subsequently featured on shows including Strictly, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, and as presenter of The Great British Bake Off.

Alison graced the Strictly dance floor in 2014, paired with Aljaz Skorjanec, with the duo placing 10th overall. She has now owned up to “breaking wind” during the competition.

The 51-year-old recounted a particular incident from the show whilst appearing alongside Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Sarah Michelle Gellar, comedian Richard Ayoade and Ready or Not 2’s Kathryn Newton on The Jonathan Ross Show, broadcasting tonight (Saturday).

She recalled performing to Robin Williams’ Friend Like Me during week seven of the competition, hoisting Aljaz off the ground at one stage, before confessing: “Oh, it was awful. At the time he couldn’t lift me so we thought don’t worry I’ll lift you, I can do it,” reports Birmingham Live.

“There is a moment where he does a cartwheel and I had to kind of pick him up and then help him over. He goes into this cartwheel and I pick him up and I break wind. I look at him and I go, ‘Let’s never talk about this again.’

“I didn’t realise that he’s quite a heavy guy – it literally took the wind out of me.” Alison has previously spoken about her experience on Strictly, and her bond with her former dance partner, Aljaz.

Amid several scandals Strictly has faced in recent years, including Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice being dropped from the professional line-up, Alison said: “I had Aljaz Skorjanec and he was absolutely incredible and as you know going back into Strictly.

“He was so amazing to me and gentle as well and kind. I’ve never experienced anything bad really.”

Elsewhere on The Jonathan Ross Show, Alison speaks about her new programme, Your Song.

She explains: “Your Song is exactly that. It’s your song that you feel emotionally attached to – it got you through a rough time at school or you know, it reminds you of someone who has passed on. A song that really means something to you.

“People come from around the country and perform it on a stage. People go on stage who have never sung before and they sing a song to a random audience. It’s just one of the most beautiful shows ever.”

The Jonathan Ross Show airs tonight from 10pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Rylan Clark has had various presenting roles on This Morning since 2013, one year after he came fifth on The X Factor, which for some time was a direct rival to Strictly Come Dancing

This Morning host Rylan Clark is tipped to become one of the new faces of Strictly Come Dancing.

It is believed Rylan, 37, would be “a ratings winner” for the BBC programme, which is looking for two new presenters to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The duo left at the end of the last series, following 21-year and 15-year stints respectively, and speculation has swirled about their replacements.

Now, it is thought Rylan is likely to waltz into one of their places, having enjoyed a successful career in presenting since 2013 when he had is first role on This Morning. He first gave gossip from The X Factor on the ITV programme, and then had a relief presenter post before becoming more regular.

An insider said: “He has so many loyal fans. If he gets the job they will most certainly tune in to Strictly. He will be a ratings winner and the BBC know it.”

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Rylan could team up with The One Show host Angela Scanlon, who we reported is also set to have an audition for one of the Strictly vacancies. Insiders believe the pair would have strong chemistry and offer Strictly an exciting revamp.

“Rylan has a long-standing association with the show, and Angela has been a contestant. The main thing is they’d be a totally new pairing – no baggage, no former shows, uniquely Strictly. On top of that, they want to be sure that an all-female presenting line-up isn’t replaced by an old-fashioned male-female duo where the man takes on a dominant role,” one insider told the Daily Mail.

Another source told the outlet: “For Rylan it is his dream job. He loved It Takes Two and the viewers loved him. It would be a no-brainer.”

Rylan, who grew up in Stepney, east London, has already anchored Eurovision coverage for the BBC. The media personality is said to be “very keen” to be paired with Angela, who was a contestant on Strictly in 2023. She was the ninth contestant to be eliminated after dancing with Carlos Gu.

It is believed Rylan still faces screen tests in April so producers can assess his chemistry with any possible co-stars, including Irish broadcaster Angela. Rylan fronted It Takes Two between 2019 and 2023, and he has hosted his own Rylan On Saturday show on Radio 2.

But other names in the frame are One Show host Alex Jones, Zoe Ball and Bradley Walsh, presenter of The Chase. Speculation has already linked the current professional dancer Johannes Radebe to the presenting gig.

Alex Kingston was awarded eighth place in Strictly Come Dancing last year with her professional partner Johannes Radebe.

Alex Kingston admits she felt “worthless” after her high-profile divorce from a Hollywood icon.

Saturday Kitchen Live returns today, Saturday, March 14, on BBC One with presenter Matt Tebbutt joined by this week’s special guest Alex Kingston, famed for ER, Doctor Who and more recently Strictly Come Dancing.

As the 63-year-old returns to our screens this weekend, here’s an insight into the life of the fan-favourite actress.

Hollywood marriage

Alex Kingston was married to none other than Schindler’s List and Harry Potter legend Ralph Fiennes, after they met as students at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1983.

They dated for a decade, married in 1993 but divorced in 1997 after Fiennes had an affair with his Hamlet co-star Francesca Annis who was 18 years his senior.

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After discovering the affair, Alex found it too difficult to stay in London and so started a new life in Los Angeles and joined the cast of ER in 1997.

Previously speaking about the break-up to the Daily Mail, she shared: “I was feeling worthless, that I would never find anyone else as good as my husband, which is ridiculous, but I had so little self-esteem.

“Divorce is awful, but it is also something I don’t regret happening to me because it has shaped who I am now.”

She went on to marry her second husband, German writer Florian Haetel, two years later and had their daughter Salome Violetta Haertel.

Their marriage wasn’t to last either though as they separated in 2009 and divorced four years later.

Two years after her second divorce, the star went on to marry TV producer Jonathan Stamp with the pair still happily together.

Strictly

Alex competed in Strictly Come Dancing 2025 with partner Johannes Radebe and proved to be a fan-favourite with BBC viewers.

However, she didn’t get the best critique from harsh judge Craig Revel-Horwood when he jibed that Alex looked like she was having a “midlife crisis” during her Halloween Week salsa routine to Mousse T Fellow’s Horny.

Reacting to the unexpected comment to Prima Magazine, she said: “When I did the Strictly Halloween ‘Horny’ number, I wasn’t fully aware of the scathing critique Craig had given me about looking like a woman who is having a midlife crisis.

“I didn’t realise that he was saying it or know about the follow-through in terms of people saying, ‘That’s just outrageous, how dare you say something like that?’

“It was a little mean-spirited for Craig to say that and also I just felt like it’s exactly the opposite of what I’m trying to advocate.

“It’s like, no, if you want to dance and swing a devil’s tail around and you’re in your 90s, do it. I mean, this is your life. So live it!”

Health scare

Alex was diagnosed with and treated for uterine cancer in 2024 and, after a hysterectomy and radiation, she is now in remission.

The star initially dismissed symptoms including boating as a sign of aging but suffered a “shocking” haemorrhage while on stage at Chichester Festival Theatre.

It was after this incident that Alex was given the unexpected diagnosis, telling the BBC: “I never went down the cancer road in my head.

“It was a shock, because I have a very positive outlook on life in general.

“Even though my body was telling me there was something very seriously wrong.”

Alex added that it was this experience in 2024 that pushed her to say yes to Strictly Come Dancing the following year as “life is too short”.

Alex appears on Saturday Kitchen on BBC One on March 14 at 10am

The celebrity chef opened up about his beloved grandmother Marjorie who died before seeing him star in a show she was a ‘huge fan’ of

James Martin has shared a poignant family revelation that he admits leaves him with “sadness”. The 52-year-old chef first gained recognition as part of the Ready Steady Cook team.

Since then, he’s featured across numerous television programmes including the likes of Housecall and Entertaining with James. In 2006 he joined Saturday Kitchen, presenting the weekend programme for a decade.

Throughout his professional journey, James has relied upon his family’s steadfast support, particularly from his devoted grandmother Marjorie, who he says tuned into every programme he featured in.

Tragically, she passed away before James appeared on one specific show that she was a “huge fan” of. In conversation with Candis magazine, he revealed: “Mum is my biggest fan and the most honest person I know. My granny, Marjorie, also watched everything I did.”

He continued: “She was a huge fan of Strictly and it’s a sadness to me that she didn’t live long enough to see me take part in 2005.”

James took part in the third series of Strictly Come Dancing, where he was paired with professional dancer Camilla Dallerup. He secured fourth place behind radio presenter Zoe Ball, with Olympian Colin Jackson finishing runner-up and cricketer Darren Gough claiming the Glitterball Trophy.

James, who grew up on a farm in North Yorkshire, attributes his culinary passion to his grandmother’s influence. In a 2011 Mirror interview, he recalled enjoying fresh produce from his grandparents’ allotment during his childhood.

The chef even credits his grandparents with nurturing his passion for cooking, backing him when he secured a position in a local kitchen before attending culinary school. He said: “My grandmother was a huge influence in my life and inadvertently inspired me to be a chef.

“She baked and cooked, and she was just wonderful. If I could be 10% of what she was, I’d be a lucky man.

“As a boy, my most vivid memories are of helping her dig up potatoes fresh from her allotment, then boiling them up with some mint. If someone asks you what your most memorable meal was, it’s seldom something you had in a restaurant, it’s what you ate at home as a kid, isn’t it?”.

He added: “I remember going shopping with her and watching her buy bacon and crusty white bread. You’d just see her backside as she disappeared into the shelf, reaching right to the back for the freshest loaf, squeezing them until she found it.

“When we got home she’d grill the bacon on one of those old enamel gas cookers with red buttons. It would take ages to warm up and cook, and the room would fill with the smell of cooking fat.”

James returns to television with James Martin’s Saturday Morning from 9.30am today (March 14). Joining him will be vocalist and television presenter Jane McDonald alongside chefs Judy Joo and Curtis Stone plus mixologist Merlin Griffiths.

The first instalment of The Claudia Winkleman show had fans rushing to social media to vent their opinions as the former Strictly host spoke to a star-studded guest list

Claudia Winkleman has fronted her new show and fans are immediately having their say. The star of The Traitors and formerly of Strictly Come Dancing is now sharing Graham Norton’s Friday evening talk slot as she entertains on her own brand new series.

It marks Claudia’s first new solo gig since she and co-host Tess Daly stepped down from hosting Strictly Come Dancing. And The Traitors star admitted the new venture as “really scary” as she readied herself to speak to a star-studded line-up of famous faces from the world of TV, music, and more.

The aptly named The Claudia Winkleman Show, is filmed in front of a live studio audience and the presenter said before the show she is “going to be awful”. And fans were quick to share whether they agreed with her statement as they rushed to Twitter /X during the first instalment.

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One viewer sighed: “So Television is Graham Norton’s production company, they also produce The Claudia Winkleman Show which is why, despite a set change, the format is identical. A shame nothing different was attempted with this chat show!”

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Another complained: “The Claudia Winkleman Show is just the Graham Norton Show without Graham Norton.” And a third said: “This is just not working the Claudia Winkleman show is dull as the dark teal sofa.”

However, others were appreciating the new show – including guest Tom Allen, who ssaid it was a great show. On Instagram he said: “It was FABULOUS to be part of!”

And a X user also seemed to enjoy the set up. “First thoughts about The Claudia Winkleman Show, not that much different from The Graham Norton Show really but I love her anyway,” they said. Another added: “The Claudia Winkleman Show gets four stars. . . .A welcome contrast to the Graham Norton Show, which is a very, very out-of-step production.”

The opening instalment of Claudia Winkleman’ s new chat show sees Jennifer Saunders confess that she and Dawn French once made plan to take ecstasy together – but were thwarted.

Jennifer, who appeared on the show to promoted her new film The Magic Faraway Tree, revealed: “Dawn and I once thought we’d be really daring, and we got an ecstasy tablet. We thought one day when we’re alone – we could take half an ecstasy tablet. We kept it on Dawn’s mantlepiece and one day, about six months later, we thought ‘OK, we’re ready’.”

Before the show aired, Claudia had said: “I can’t quite believe it, and I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity. I’m obviously going to be awful, that goes without saying, but I’m over the moon they’re letting me try.”

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A Strictly pro who joined the show in 2022 has shared two words that sum up their thoughts on former host Claudia Winkleman, who announced her departure last year

A professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing has shared two words that sum up their thoughts on former host Claudia Winkleman. A Chinese Strictly pro who joined the show in 2022 and lifted the Glitterball trophy with former Lioness Karen Carney last year, Carlos Gu was recently quizzed about whether he’d like to step into Claudia and Tess Daly’s shoes.

In October last year, the duo shocked fans by announcing they would be stepping away from their joint presenting duties on the BBC programme, sparking widespread speculation about their replacements.

Carlos doesn’t seem eager to throw his hat into the ring, though, noting that he doesn’t believe he could “ever be a presenter,” but he did have some kind things to say about the former hosts.

In a recent interview, Carlos was asked if he would like to take over from Claudia and Tess, to which he replied that he “didn’t see this coming” and that he loves them both.

He told Best Magazine’s Suddenly Single podcast: “I love Claudia and Tess. I love both of them. They are just iconic and obsessed about Claudia, too, personally. I love her.”

It was then suggested that Claudia was “kooky,” to which Carlos responded: “Very witty, very cool.” And, when it was claimed that the Traitors star “doesn’t like looking in the mirror,” he added that she knows her “value.”

Carlos continued: “No, it’s just, oh, she’s a woman who knows her value, and she knows everything about herself, and she’s so confident with it, which is so powerful. Like, Tess is, too, you know.”

In response to the original question, the dancer explained that he was a “born performer” and would “die on stage,” but doesn’t think he could “ever be a presenter.”

At the time of their announcement, Claudia and Tess shared a message on Instagram that reflected on their time on the show, noting that they “loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream.”

It represents the end of a remarkable 21-year journey for Tess, who, in addition to Claudia, also revealed that they were “always going to leave together” and that they felt it was the “right time.”

Speaking on Instagram, Tess shared: “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It’s hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes…

“Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.

“Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together – and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.”

Amber Davies has broken her silence on an alleged feud with her Legally Blonde co-star Hannah Lowther amid rumours of ‘backstage tension’

Amber Davies has broken her silence on her alleged feud with her Legally Blonde co-star Hannah Lowther. The former Love Island star has been forced to pull out of her starring role as Elle Woods.

Giving an update to fans about her ill health, she wrote on Instagram earlier today: “Ok update: after talking to my DR, being on antibiotics and trying to recover whilst doing shows is getting me and my health NOWHERE. Been working on this lingering illness for a month now so I’ll be off again from my beautiful Elle Woods.

“This is the last thing I want but there’s no other way. I fear if I keep “pushing through” I will be battling with this for longer than I need to be. I can’t wait to be back on stage and feel like me again!!!”

However, there have been rumours about a feud between Amber and her co-star Hannah Lowther. Hannah found fame on TikTok in the pandemic and is a successful musical theatre star.

Insiders have said to the Daily Mail that “tension” had developed backstage after audiences seemed to be preferring Hannah’s portrayal of Elle over Amber’s. A source said: “When Hannah goes on, the energy is completely different.

“She gives it ten times more energy than Amber ever has, and just has that sparkle that Amber lacks. Everyone backstage is professional, but it would be fair to say the atmosphere between the two girls can be a bit tense at times.”

Now, Amber has appeared to address the feud head on. Taking to Instagram to comment on Hannah taking on the role, she also shared a personal message to Hannah, writing: “An extra special appreciate message to @hannahlowther who has given me all the grace and space to be poorly and recover. The show is in safe hands ALWAYS.”

Amber previously spoke out to defend herself, given her hectic schedule in the recent months. She added: “Also I keep having to remind myself I went from Gatsby, to a last min Strictly, then to Elle so my body’s evidently fighting for its life.

“I also keep reminding myself that it’s ok to be poorly, we are human. Just a reminder there’s absolutely never a right time to be poorly in a musical theatre schedule so you must, for your own sanity, go with the flow!”

At the time of writing, Hannah has not responded to the post but confirmed she would be playing Elle this evening.

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Strictly Come Dancing bosses are after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman replacements as both presenters left at the end of the last series, won by former England footballer Karen Carney

The One Show presenter Angela Scanlon is said to be in line to become the new Strictly Come Dancing presenter.

Angela, who has been a reporter on the BBC flagship show since 2016 and more recently has hosted in the absence of Alex Jones, has been lauded as “a top professional”. A source says Strictly bosses are particularly keen on Angela, 42, as they feel she is “BBC through and through”.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left the popular programme at the end of the last series, having forged a successful regular partnership since 2014. Several names have been linked to their vacant posts, including Alan Carr after his triumph on The Traitors last year, but it is now believed Angela will waltz onto the programme. She herself was a contestant in 2023, dancing with Carlos Gu who remains on the show.

A source told the Daily Mail: “It’s looking likely that Angela could get one of the jobs. The Beeb love a regional accent, she’s one of the BBC’s own and she’s no trouble whatsoever. She is BBC through and through and is regarded as a top professional. The BBC knows she is loved as a presenter of The One Show and that is what those making the hire are really looking at.”

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It is believed that so-called “chemistry tests” are the next stage, and they are due to take place after Easter. However, sources understand Angela, of County Meath, Ireland, has the right personality to fit in.

“There have been many names bandied around, some of which are not realistic… For Angela, Strictly would be a no-brainer. She might not be a superstar but she would grow with the role,” the insider continued.

Strictly bosses have had meetings in recent weeks as they plan for the next series of the programme, which typically starts in the autumn. It is said managers want at least one of the new faces to have a distinctive regional accent, a box mother-of-two Angela ticks.

Speaking in December when asked about the vacancies, Angela, a former magazine journalist, said: “You know what, I am such a fan of the show and have been forever, I would certainly answer the call.”

Alex Jones herself had been rumoured with one of the jobs, but it is thought she and Angela are reticent about teaming together despite their rapport on The One Show. Zoe Ball, the former host of Strictly’s spin-off show It Takes Two, is also believed to be in the running for one of the roles.

But bosses are also said to be mulling over the prospect of having a male anchor, the first since the late Bruce Forsyth who presented Strictly Come Dancing for nearly 10 years. The veteran entertainer departed after the 2013 series.

DIANNE Buswell has shown off her blossoming baby bump after being forced to shut down rumours she’d secretly given birth.

Strictly star Dianne and long-term partner Joe Sugg jokingly shut down the rumours after an AI photograph of them cradling a baby was spread online.

The photograph was so realistic that family and friends had reached out to them to “congratulate them”, albeit confused they hadn’t been told.

Today, Dianne showed off her classic jokey charm with a TikTok video set to a sound clip from Friends.

In the video, Dianne pushes a baby stroller in front of the camera, while wearing a bright green jacket.

She then whips it back to reveal her bare baby bump in a sports bra and leggings and declares: “That’s right, still no baby!”

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Dianne then covers the bump back up with the jacket and struts out of shot.

This isn’t the first time Dianne has combatted the internet with a comedic take, previously hitting back at trolls who questioned why her baby bump is always on-show.

She shared a TikTok video over the top of which she’d written one of the remarks: “But why do you always have your belly out?”

She had KC and the Sunshine Band’s That’s the Way (I Like It) playing in the background, as she captioned the video: “Because that’s the way I like it!”

Joe and Dianne announced they were expecting their first baby last September, shortly before Dianne returned to the dancefloor for Strictly Come Dancing 2026.

The returning champion dancer was partnered with Neighbours actors Stefan Dennis, however unfortunately the pair were forced to withdraw in week four because he sustained an injury.

Her participation made Strictly history as she was the first pro to compete while pregnant.

Dianne and Joe met thanks to the BBC competition, as they were partnered together on the sixteenth series of the show back in 2018.

They proved to be an impressive partnership as they managed to make it all the way to the final before falling at the final hurdle and losing out to Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.

They confirmed their relationship shortly after, with Joe declaring in an Instagram post that he’d “got something better than the glitterball”.

ALL Saints star Melanie Blatt says taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special stripped away her confidence.

The 1990s girl group singer, 50, said she did not feel comfortable in the flowing yellow dress she wore, which she said made her “look like custard”.

Speaking to Good Housekeeping UK she said: “I felt extremely vulnerable.

“It’s taken me 50 years to feel as good as I have ever felt about myself and Strictly stripped it away from me. Nothing dodgy went on — I think they’re on their best behaviour — but I just didn’t feel comfortable in a dress.”

Mum Mel and her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington finished fifth out of six couples after performing an American smooth in the telly extravaganza.

It was won by TV host Scarlett Moffatt and Vito Coppola, who got a perfect 40 score for their cha-cha-cha.

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Despite finishing second from bottom, Mel and Kai scored 36 out of 40 and she was hailed “fabulous” by judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.

Mel had been tipped to take part in the full series this autumn but her comments suggest there is no way back.

Yet following her Christmas Day dance on the BBC One show, watched by 7.75million at home, Mel told host Tess Daly: “I really enjoyed it.

In a telling remark, she added: “It’s been amazing yet challenging, getting out of my comfort zone, having to wear a dress, having to look like custard . . . all of these things.”

A source insisted that Mel had taken her own dress which was “styled and adjusted” by the Strictly costume team to her specifications.

They added: “Strictly would never make anyone wear something they felt uncomfortable in.”

Mel, who had five No1 singles with All Saints, revealed last year that she was serving burgers at a North London boozer.

She is no longer in the pub but wants to start a new career in the food industry.

Mel, who performed in All Saints with Shaznay Lewis and sisters Nicole and Natalie Appleton said: “The main thing I want from life is peace and happiness.

“My dream is to do a cookery book or have my own cookery programme, something like ‘Cheeses of the World’. I will make it happen.”

• Mel’s full interview can be read now in April’s Good Housekeeping.