Brendan Cole's perfect weekend

Strictly Come Dancing star

will hit the dancefloor in Birmingham with his dynamic show, Live and Unjudged on January 23. Here the Strictly bad boy shares his perfect weekend . . .

It's Friday afternoon. What's on your mind?

It's not like I have a normal job, so there's no set answer. If it's during Strictly season, I'll be in the studio all-day rehearsing. If I'm doing my own tour, I'll be in a theatre getting ready for that night's show. If it's in the summer and I've got a day off, I'll be relaxing in the garden.

Who normally has the pleasure of your company at the weekend?

Either 10 million people, if I'm on Strictly, or my wife, Zoe Cole.

How do you prepare for a big night out?

I will shower, definitely. I do tend to spend a bit of time in the bathroom, making myself look as pretty as I can. I also iron my shirt and steam anything that needs pressing – I make a bit of an effort to get ready.

What's your favourite party outfit?

That depends on the kind of party. Ideally, I wear jeans and a jacket. If it's a casual party, I'll wear a T-shirt, or if it's more formal, I'll be in a crisp white shirt.

You've just arrived at the bar. What's your first drink?

Beer, definitely. I like a nice cold, bottle of Peroni. I like to get a few in, to get warmed up, then if I'm excited I'll switch to vodka. I've got into wine a little more recently, particularly Sauvignon, though that's mostly at home.

What is your favourite nightspot and why?

I don't really have one, I feel like I'm past going to nightclubs. I much prefer a nice pub, the sort of place that is enjoyable to visit and where you can hear yourself think.

What tune always gets you on the dancefloor?

A bit of Stevie Wonder does the trick. I've been surrounded by music all of my life. I got dragged along to dance by my mother, when I was six. I hated it at first, my brother and I used to run the other way.

With the current tour, the music is a huge part of it. I really wanted to make a show that went across the ages, we've got such a diverse audience that we need music that will appeal to kids as well as those who are more mature in years.

It's a sunny Saturday. What are you up to?

If I'm not working I would be in the garden mowing the lawn, which I find strangely satisfying. Alternatively, I'll be visiting friends or going for a punt on the Thames, near our home, in Oxford. Gardening has become my favourite hobby, I've built my own patio using natural stone and we have barbecues in the summer. But, damn it, plants aren't cheap.

What's your most memorable weekend ever and why?

My wedding weekend, it goes without saying. To have all my friends in one place celebrating what I was doing was incredible.

What's the recipe for a perfect night in?

A bottle of sauvignon and top of the range food – best beef or lamb. If it's the winter, I'd like to be near a fireplace, if it's the summer, I'd like to be near a barbecue.

Favourite DVD? And what would you eat while watching it?

If it was a movie, it would be a good rom-com, although I feel I ought to harden myself up by saying I also like a good action movie.

Sunday breakfast – cooked or continental?

I don't go for breakfast that often, but continental, not cooked.

Sunday lunch – home cooked or down the pub?

Down the pub. I love a good roast. Most weekends I cook one at home, when there's time.

When and how do you like to relax?

I don't often get the chance to relax. But when I get time off, I spend it with my wife and we'll be at home or we'll go for a walk.

I do get a fair amount of downtime in the early summer months. My business year is August through to March, with Strictly then a tour. The summer months are all about planning, although I have some time for pleasure. In summer, I'll be thinking about costumes, shoes. . . that sort of thing. The live tour is incredible, I've never worked harder in my life.

You've got a whole weekend off and a wad of money in your back pocket – which country or city would you head to?

Sydney, in Australia. I'd go to the beaches and do the tourist thing on Bondi. I had plenty of holidays there as a kid and have been back several times since. I love the lifestyle, it's the perfect place. If it's closer to home, I'd go to New York.

* Brendan Cole will visit the New Alexandra Theatre, in Birmingham, on Monday as part of his Live and Unjudged tour. For details visit www.atgtickets.com/birmingham