Strictly Come Dancing 2018: Charles Venn reveals he wants THIS from professional partner
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2018 hits television screens tonight for the first show of the season, which will see the stars meet their professional partner for the first time. But ahead of their pairings, Charles Venn has revealed what he wants from his partner.
SCD: Susannah Constantine and Charles Venn latest contestants
Charles was one of the final stars announced to be taking part on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing and he has explained he wants someone “disciplined” as he learns ballroom and latin routines.
When asked what he was hoping for from his professional partner, the actor told press including Express.co.uk: “I need balance.
“I need someone who is Spartan, disciplined, strict, who will pick me up on anything I am doing wrong.
“You know, great attention to detail but at the same time somebody who can have a laugh and have fun.”
The former EastEnders star continued: “I know I am going to laugh and have fun, no matter how serious she is. I need it to keep me sane.”
The identity of Charles’ partner is being kept under wraps until later today but there are a number of professionals he could be paired with.
Charles could be partnered with last year’s winner Katya Jones or Karen Clifton, Janette Manrara, Oti Mabuse, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden.
However, he may be the first celebrity partner for newcomer Luba Mushtuk, who was announced as part of the professional line-up earlier this year.
Charles also spoke about how his Casualty cast mates responded when he announced the news he said they were “so excited”.
“It was really difficult keeping it away from them for a month and a half, really difficult so when it was finally let out of the bag… huge relief,” Charles said.
I know I am going to laugh and have fun, no matter how serious she is
“And they were just really excited, they can’t wait – they’re looking forward to coming down to watch a show.”
Charles also noted that he will be juggling his job with his training for the BBC competition.
“I’m juggling both jobs at the moment so I’m oscillating between here and Cardiff,” he explained.
Charles, 45, said he was keen to get the first live show out of the way so he can settle in more easily.
Discussing his nerves for dancing live on the show, he confessed: “Getting that first one out of the way, that’s imperative.
“I think once that is done then we feel more settled into the show and whatever is going to be is going to be from there on.
“Right now, I only have an idea of what it feels like but when you’re performing in front of that live audience. Nerves, heart beating and all that business.”
Revealing what he believes will be his biggest challenge, he noted: “My biggest challenge will be mastering the steps, memorising them.
“Hopefully from learning scripts that’ll put me in good stead but I take nothing for granted and this is completely different for me.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight on BBC One at 7.35pm.
STRICTLY COME DANCING WINNERS: A TIMELINE
2004 winner: Natasha Kaplinsky
Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first celebrity to win the BBC dancing series, which originally aired in July of 2004. She was partnered with Brendan Cole. They finished 39 points ahead of competitor Christopher Parker.
2004 winner: Jill Halfpenny
Jill Halfpenny was the second star to impress the judges with her dancing skills. Partnered with Darren Bennett, the pair beat off competition from Julian Clary and Denise Lewis in December of 2004.
2005 winner: Darren Gough
Cricketer Darren Gough won the third series of Strictly. He and partner Lilia Kopylova wowed audiences but never once finished at the top of the leaderboard.
2006 winner: Mark Ramprakash
Mark Ramprakash was the fourth star to lift the Glitterball Trophy. He was partnered with Karen Hardy and they were the first couple to restart a routine after their initial attempt saw Mark’s mic get caught in Karen’s dress.
2007 winner: Alesha Dixon
Before becoming a Strictly judge, Alesha Dixon won the nation’s hearts and the Glitterball Trophy during the fifth series. She was partnered with professional dancer Matthew Cutler.
2008 winner: Tom Chambers
Holby City star Tom Chambers was partnered with Camilla Dallerup when he won the sixth series. He performed the Foxtrot and Salsa in the final week.
2009 winner: Chris Hollins
BBC Breakfast presenter Chris Hollins and his professional partner Ola Jordan surprised viewers when they beat Ricky Whittle and his partner Natalie Lowe in the final. They wowed with the Foxtrot, Charleston, Lindy Hop and Showdance.
2010 winner: Kara Tointon
Kara Tointon was the eighth celebrity to win Strictly. She danced with Artem Chigvintsev and failed to receive 40 points throughout her time on the show.
2011 winner: Harry Judd
Former McFly star Harry Judd was the ninth star to lift the Glitterball Trophy. He didn’t top the leaderboard until week seven but then scored 40 points twice in the final.
2012 winner: Louis Smith
The tenth series of the BBC show was won by Olympian Louis Smith. He danced his way to victory with professional partner Flavia Cacace. He faced competition from Kimberley Walsh, Denise Van Outen and Danni Harmer in the series finale.
2013 winner: Abbey Clancy
Model Abbey Clancy won series eleven of Strictly alongside partner Alijaz Skorjanec. She was called a “spectacular dancer” with “wonderful posture” by former head judge Len Goodman.
2014 winner: Caroline Flack
Love Island host Caroline Flack took to the dance floor in series 12 where she scooped the Glitterball Trophy with Pasha Kovalev.
2015 winner: Jay McGuiness
Jay McGuiness surprised viewers when he won the thirteenth series of the BBC dancing competition with Aliona Vilani. When he learned he’d won, he told host Tess Daly: “I feel spaced out - it’s really weird.”
2016 winner: Ore Oduba
Ore Oduba won the thirteenth series of the BBC dancing competition with Joanne Clifton.
The sports presenter broke down in tears after beating Danny Mac and Louise Redknapp.
2017 winner: Joe McFadden
Last year’s winner of Strictly was Joe McFadden. The Holby City star beat off competition from fan favourite Debbie McGee, Gemma Atkinson and Alexandra Burke.