Gemma Atkinson signs for Strictly and admits: ‘I think I’m Britney on the dancefloor after a few drinks’
The 5ft 9in actress hopes she gets paired up with a “tall and strong” professional dance partner on the new BBC1 series.
Statuesque Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson has revealed she fears being dropped by her Strictly Come Dancing partner because of her height.
The 5ft 9in actress, who became the fourth name confirmed for the ballroom dancing show, hopes she is paired up with a “tall and strong” pro on the new BBC1 series.
Atkinson, 32, who played Carly Hope on the ITV soap, said spray tans, heels and sparkly dresses were out of her comfort zone.
“As far as any dance training goes I’ve not had any.”
The actress admitted: “After a few drinks I kind of think I’m Britney Spears but I’m absolutely not, so I’m not good at all.”
Atkinson has one fear – being dropped.
“I’m 5ft 9in, I’m big for a girl, so as long as it’s (her dance partner) someone tall and strong because I don’t want someone lifting me and dropping me. That’s my only fear, being dropped,” she said.
The actress – who recently left the Dales but has hinted she will return – said of keeping her Strictly signing a secret: “I felt so snide lying to all my family. My mum’s obviously known… ”
She added: “I can finally say to my family: ‘I’m doing it.’ I’m sorry for lying.”
She added: “Even wearing heels for me is a big one.”
The host on Key 103 Breakfast told that show: “I am more likely to fit in on a show like Gladiators.
“I dress like a 14-year-old boy in work. I am a trackies and Converse kind of girl, but I have been wearing stilettos around my house.
The one time she did have a spray tan she “stunk and when I woke up it was all over my bed,” she complained.
Atkinson, who will miss her two dogs Norman and Ollie, said: “It’s done now. I can’t change my mind. I’ve just been told it’s knackering and the hours are long. I’ll be a nervous wreck by the end of it.”
