Strictly's Joe: I did my best dance

Joe Calzaghe has admitted he'll miss the "make-up, spangles and spray tan" of Strictly Come Dancing after becoming the latest contestant to leave the show.

The former boxing champion lost out to actress Zoe Lucker and her partner James Jordan at the weekend, when both couples received the least votes and the judges voted for Joe and dance partner Kristina Rihanoff to go, and he said: "It was a blessing in disguise to be honest, I knew I was going to lose when I saw I was up against Zoe - I really enjoyed it but the next time I dance will probably be on the dance floor after a couple of beers."

He added: "I'm probably going to miss all the make-up, spangles and spray tan - it was one of the most nerve-wracking things I've ever done and I'm a bit disappointed, I did my best dance so I was a bit surprised to go out."

He tipped The Bill's Ali Bastian and Hollyoaks' Ricky Whittle as potential winners, saying he hoped Ali would steal the trophy.

Joe also defended judge Alesha Dixon, who has been the subject of criticism after she replaced Arlene Phillips, saying she was "cool".

Joe was speaking as he opened an accommodation centre for parents of children being treated at the Children's Hospital for Wales in Cardiff, run by support charity Latch, which he's an ambassador for.

He arrived in Cardiff without Kristina, despite the couple being frequently photographed together outside of rehearsal time and persistent rumours of romance.

He said: "She was going to come down, she sends her apologies. She can come down another time."

Back

© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group

http://www.herefordtimes.com