What made you want to take part in the show this year?

I am a Strictly Come Dancing superfan and I've dreamed about doing this for years. To me, Strictly is like the equivalent of like a warm log fire on a winter night, it just makes my soul glow. As soon as I hear the first few chords of the iconic theme tune, I just feel pure escapism and I’m in my happy place. So to be part of that is just a massive honour.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge on the show will be learning how to dance. I know that sounds ridiculous. I always thought I was quite a good dancer, I’m always up on the podium in nightclubs. But I asked my other half Dean, and he said I looked like one of those blow up men you get outside the petrol station, with their arms flailing around. He said I have the hip action of a folded up ironing board. So that will be my biggest challenge, but I am going to give it some welly.

How do you feel about being Strictly-fied?

Oh, my Goodness me. So, low cut tops, sequins, spandex, I mean that's what I wear on a Tuesday to do the big shop. So for me, it’ll be dressing down! My motto is, there can always be more! I just want to be covered in oil and pushed in a bath of glitter.

Are there any memorable or standout moments for you, from previous series?

Well, I have to mention my good friend Zoe Ball. Her Waltz in week one was so beautiful, elegant and floaty. I also have to mention John and Johannes’ leaps. On a serious note, watching John and Johannes last year gave me the confidence to be in an all-male partnership this year. I'm so glad I'm doing it. I just felt so much inspiration. I wish I could have seen that on TV growing up, when I was growing up as a teenager and constantly trying to discover what I was and what I wasn't.

Do you have any previous dance experience?

When I was seven, I used to go to an after school dance club at my local church. My mum sent me there as she wanted to improve my balance, because she said I used to be like Bambi on ice. I went to this dance club for about eight weeks and it somehow got worse. So I went and played football instead.

But I can do every single Steps routine, so if there are any transferable skills between 5,6,7,8 and an Argentine Tango, you might as well give me the Glitterball now.

I also once came second in a talent competition in Benidorm, I got on stage and I did a Spice Girls routine.

How are you preparing for the show?

I started watching old YouTube videos of previous contestants, but I had to stop because I was thinking “I can't do that!” So my preparation is to just pretend it's not happening. Just pretend I'm turning up every Saturday and I'm going to the local disco, dancing with a handsome man and then I'm going home. I'm taking the pressure off by thinking that way!

Have you had any advice from anyone who has done the show before?

Zoe Ball said it’s going to be the best thing I ever do, and I’m going to make friends for life. Everyone I have spoken to has just said it’s the best show, and that I’m going to love everyone who is part of the show, which is important to me. Jeremy Vine passed me at the water cooler at Radio 2 and wished me good luck. I’ve also spoken to Carol Kirkwood, Dan Walker, and everyone has been so positive, it’s been great.

Do you know any of your fellow 2022 contestants?

I know Ellie Simmonds, I met her at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games a couple of weeks ago and when she was announced, I DM’ed her. She's a national sweetheart and I am glad she's here as we've got the same accent, so I'm looking forward to hanging out with her.

I was once on a game show, Rolling in It, with Will Mellor, he beat me though…and was very funny.

When everyone was announced I followed everyone immediately and slid into their DM’s, so I am sure I’ll be the one setting up the WhatsApp group and still writing in it in five years to come!

Do you have your eye on the Glitterball?

Well, between you and me, I've got a lovely space in my downstairs bathroom, just above the toilet seat on the on the window ledge and it would look very nice there, so I've left it empty just in case. However, if it doesn't go to plan, I can put a nice indoor plant there. So either or really, but I would prefer the Glitterball.

Do you have a signature dance move you always do at parties?

Yes I have a few, I can shimmy, body pop and I can cartwheel too!