Former pop star Louise Redknapp says she's rediscovered her zest for performing through Strictly Come Dancing, but doesn't want to even think about winning the show
Louise Redknapp says she is too frightened to even think about winning Strictly Come Dancing.
The former singer, 42, has admitted that she is amazed she has got so far on the gruelling BBC1 show.
She told the Press Association: “If I start thinking about winning I’ll probably stop enjoying what I’m doing. I wouldn’t even allow myself to think that way because I think it would stress me out too much.”
Louise, who is partnered with professional dancer Kevin Clifton, added: “If I started to think about wanting to win I’d be useless because I’d fall apart with nerves.
“That would take the enjoyment of what we’re doing away.”
The former Eternal singer said she would never have performed again if it was not for Strictly, because she thinks she is too old.
“It wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t done this show. The likelihood that I’m going to go touring or bring out a new album is so slim,” she said.
“I’m a bit old for a new album. Strictly makes me realise how much I love music and performing.”
She added: “Being on stage felt like a million years ago. My seven-year-old has never really seen me on stage. He’s watched old music videos, but he’s like, ‘that’s not you’.”
Louise said that Kevin always wants her to get into character during rehearsals, but she found it difficult to take on an alter-ego so early in the morning.
“I say ‘it’s 9 o’clock on a Tuesday morning, I can’t be Valentina!’,” she said. “Kevin tells me to get into character. We have a different name every week.”
Meanwhile, Ed Balls has laughed off Darcey Bussell’s decision to oust him from the show in a mock vote.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 47, exclaimed 'out' when she was asked to make a decision on Chris Evans’s radio show about the fate of the former shadow chancellor.
Quizzed on BBC Breakfast about his thoughts, Ed, 49, chuckled.
“In the end all the judges have a say, in the end the public decide,” he said. “If the public vote for you to come back then I think the respectful thing to do is to come back back and do your best again.”
Ed is favourite to go on Sunday night’s show, but he said: “I’m just going to do my best again tonight and if people enjoy it, who knows?”
Chatting over the phone, he said: “The truth is, we’re getting weary now. After 10 weeks of doing all these hours, my body’s really aching.
“But the morning of the live show you’re always up for it. I’m just on my way to Elstree now to go and do the rehearsals.”
Ed added: “It’s a fabulous show which everyone really enjoys every week. Did anybody think I would get to week 10? I certainly didn’t.
“Of course there’s a lot better dancers. They were better at the beginning and they’re much better than me now.
“But all you can do is try your hardest, do your best and try to entertain. We all get better week by week, that’s what I’ve been trying to do.”
Ed will be performing a tango to (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones with partner Katya Jones on Saturday’s show.
Ed, who has lit up the dance floor with his performances to Gangnam Style and Great Balls Of Fire, has survived on the BBC One show thanks to votes from viewers – despite poor scoring from the judges.
Can he survive another week? Watch Strictly on BBC1, Saturday at 7pm
