Judy’s biggest Strictly challenge? Not laughing at Anton Du Beke, she says

(Image credit: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Judy Murray has revealed that learning the tango for this week’s dance has been a real struggle - because every time she tries to look passionately into professional partner Anton Du Beke’s eyes, she bursts out laughing.

“I get the giggles,” Judy confessed. “He’s great fun, he’s got such a good sense of humour. And when he’s coming towards me and very close, I just dissolve into giggles, which is absolutely not what you are supposed to do.”

Her plan to combat the giggles is to try and recall the stress of watching her tennis champ son Andy competing in the Wimbledon Final.

“I’m normally quite good at doing a poker face when I’m watching the boys playing tennis,” Judy says. “So I think that’s what I have to channel.”

The tennis coach has had low scores and poor comments from the judges so far and is currently the favourite to get the boot, with bookmaker William Hill giving her odds of 6/4 to go this weekend.

But Judy revealed that tennis champ sons Andy and Jamie have promised to come to watch her if she can stay in one more round.

“I have a big incentive to try and stay in this week because, hopefully, they’ll have finished their tennis commitments in Europe and be able to come and watch next weekend.

“So I have to perform well and not look like I’ve got rigor mortis this week!”

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC1, Saturday, October 18, 6.30pm.