Darcey Bussell

“I've come to realise that being on 'Strictly' is like being in another theatre company and performing a live production.”

“The Royal Academy of Dance is an institution that trains to a very high standard.”

“I was incredibly supple and did gymnastics as well. So half of my injuries are because I am over-supple and the joints could always go that little bit further. But I was happy to push, and I have no regrets. That is important to say.”

“I absolutely loved learning how to do stage make-up at 16: it was so interesting to learn all about what you can do with make-up, such as contouring or shadowing eyes. We had a lot of fun.”

“I can't imagine leaving the theatre altogether. My dressing room has become a home from home.”

“I'm a size 8-10. I never weigh myself - I go on how tight my jeans are.”

“Keeping off wheat helps my energy levels.”

“I dye my hair, and I use teeth whitening strips. Unless I burnt myself or damaged my skin, I wouldn't have cosmetic surgery.”

“Dancers are working their bodies just like a marathon runner would, and you have to eat to make it through a three-hour performance. Dancers put their bodies through incredible strain.”

“I danced so intensely, I learned the hard way that sometimes you can push your body too far.”

“Being on stage taught me how to apply eyeliner.”

“My 'new' knee now feels like a bionic knee compared with my old one.”

“I've achieved everything I've wanted to achieve, so I'm not scared of failure. I never gave up, however bad the injuries got.”

“If I had a caterer that lived at home, it would be fabulous!”

“Dance is a great way to express yourself.”

“When I had kids, I had to work out how to keep my stamina up. I learned the power of protein and eating a variety of foods.”

“My husband is Australian, and my family is scattered around the U.K. and France mostly, but we try to get a big group together for the holidays.”

“I hate when I get stiff, and I really notice that.”

“There are always younger and better dancers fighting to get your place. You get worn down by the fight to try to stay at the top.”

“I don't see anything negative about dance. It is so good for you, mentally and physically, and so for me to promote it is the easiest thing to do.”