Politician Jacqui Smith says she won’t be scared to argue back with the judges on Strictly Come Dancing – but she does fear she might be the first to be voted off the show.
The 57-year-old former Home Secretary says her years in Parliament and as an MP have prepared her for the harshest comments that the Strictly judges could fire at her.
And she has even promised to hit back with some barbs of her own if she disagrees with their markings when she takes to the Ballroom on the hit BBC show next weekend.
However, Jacqui also fears she could be one of the two first couples to face the chop on the show when Strictly returns for its 18th season.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, she remarked: “I would be very gutted if I was the first out. I’ve lost votes before.
“The good thing about being a politician is you know what it’s like to be on the wrong end of democracy.”
Revealing that the judges should brace themselves for some feedback of their own, Jacqui said: “I was an MP for 13 years, a minister for ten years, I faced plenty of criticism in my time.
"I hope that I will listen and learn but I have also argued for a living.”
Strictly has pulled together an eclectic mix of celebrities and well known personalities for the new series – which commences on Saturday.
Comedian Bill Bailey, actress Caroline Quentin, BBC Radio 1 host Clara Amfo, singer and CBBC star HRVY, and Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing are among the 2020 hopefuls.
NFL star Jason Bell, TV host JJ Chalmers, EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, pop singer Max George and Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh are also among the cast.
While Olympic icon and champion boxer Nicola Adams is also a contestant and will make Strictly history by being paired with a woman to be the first ever same-sex coupling on the show.
Strictly Come Dancing series 18 will begin airing on BBC One on Saturday 17 October at 7:50pm.
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