Dancer

I went professional with my partner, Erin Boag, 11 years ago, and we had success competing round the world, but appearing on 'Strictly' has changed my life.

My goal is to be the best TV presenter, the best entertainer, the best singer. I still want to be the best dancer. I want to be the best at everything I do.

With the media how it is these days, people expect to know everything. I don't talk about my girlfriend because essentially she doesn't want to be talked about.

My only drive was to be the best dancer in the world, but I never won the world championship.

Being fit is the easiest part of being a dance professional. I used to just throw on a backpack full of rocks and run up a hill. You don't even have to go to a gym.

As soon as I started dancing at 14, I knew I was always going to be a professional dancer.

I was one of those people who just flitted about in life. I had no plans and no sense of direction.

I think I've got a bit more to offer than just dancing. It might just be me that thinks that, but it's worth saying.

If I avoid anything, it's that I don't really go to places that are like a little corner of England. I also never mind going to a dance show because I love it all so much.

I've become a produce snob. I like to eat food that's in season.

I don't get grumpy at a 'Strictly' level, you understand. We're just making a television show - the person I'm dancing with can't dance; they're doing their best, and we're not going to win the World Championships.

I get really very upset when I'm voted out, and I feel very disappointed.

I don't like the Samba; it's nonsense. With a lot of these Latin dances I can't really understand what they're all about. I like the Rumba and the Paso Doble but the others I could take or leave.

Ballroom is two people dancing together to music, touching in perfect harmony.

I like to get up and get out. Otherwise you end up kicking about, and it's easy to flick the telly on; then before you know it, it is 11 A.M. and you haven't done anything.

Having been part of this wonderful show ever since series one, I know all too well what it's like to perform to the nation on the famous 'Strictly Come Dancing' dancefloor.

There is not a lot of money in competition dancing. There never has been; it's all about winning the trophies, really. It's not like golf.

We didn't know anything about Judy Murray until we met her, but once we got to know her, we found she was an absolute scream.

I go through money like a bloke with three arms.

I'm going for Britain's Best Dressed Man award, but strangely, I'm never on the list.