Strictly Come Dancing enthusiast, Fleur East, has expressed her love for working on the BBC dance show’s spin-off, It Takes Two, despite having to follow some irksome rules.
She describes Strictly as “the perfect countdown to Christmas,” but unlike most viewers, she isn’t permitted to choose a favourite to win the Glitterball trophy in December.
Speaking to Fabulous magazine, Fleur revealed: “I’m not allowed favourites. We walk into that studio and it’s all neutral – even those who are my friends, like JB.”
Former JLS star JB Gill, who is paired with Amy Dowden for the 22nd series of the BBC show, has been incorporating some classic JLS moves into his Strictly routines. Fleur, who has worked with JB over the years, continued: “And his wife Chloe is a really good friend of mine. She’s a professional dancer, too, so he’s got two coaches.”
But JB isn’t Fleur’s only friend in this year’s series, as she added: “I was in the jungle with Nick Knowles, and I know Pete Wicks, too.”
Fleur had her own dramatic stint in Strictly’s 20th season, where she was partnered with Vito Coppola.
After surviving four dance-offs, they turned things around and scored the first perfect 40 of the series in Blackpool for their Couple’s Choice, before finishing as runners-up.
Fleur still sees Vito, who is partnered with Sarah Hadland this year, regularly, saying: “He’s like my little brother. He is [Fleur’s daughter] Nova’s uncle. He was one of the first people to meet her.
“She was only four weeks old. We talk almost every day. Honestly, he is family. I was his first Strictly dance partner and I loved the experience so much.”
She also commented on the recent controversy surrounding the show, which involved allegations of verbal bullying and harassment against professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, claims which have since been investigated.
“I think it’s nice that it’s now resolved,” she remarked. “From what I’ve read, both parties are happy. Now we can focus on the magic of the show and its 20th anniversary. It brings so much joy to people, and what I love is that the entire family can sit and watch it together.”