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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Tutton

Strictly's Saffron Barker 'covered in bruises' because of 'painful' new routine

Strictly Come Dancing 2019 star Saffron Barker has admitted rehearsing her latest routine has left her "covered in bruises".

The social media star and her professional dance partner AJ Pritchard were elated to make it through to the next week, avoiding the dreaded dance-off.

AJ and Saffron got to choose their dance this week as it's their turn for Couples' Choice, and they decided on a Contemporary dance.

The song will be the Celine Dion classic 'Because You Loved Me', and it's set to be a romantic performance for the pair - with the song being her nan's favourite tune.

Saffron Barker is 'covered in bruises' because of her Strictly routine (BBC)

But the introduction of some lifts in the performance has meant the YouTuber has suffered slightly in training.

Saffron is a little bruised from all the moves, telling It Takes Two host Zoe Ball all about it.

She said: "I am covered in bruises, yes, this is the first time we've done lifts together.

Saffron and AJ are excited for their next performance (BBC/Guy Levy)

"It is difficult and a lot of pain!"

AJ added: "It is worth it though, I think the beautiful thing about doing a Contemporary for Couples' Choice is it allows us to tell a story."

Zoe then welled up as Saffron revealed her grandmother Ivy would be there to watch her dance to her favourite song.

AJ hopes to do Saffron's family proud (BBC)

AJ admitted he hoped to "perform better" because of the importance of the song to her family.

Saffron added: "She cries whenever she hears the song, so when she sees the dancing..."

She added of the lifts in store: "Oh I love the lifts, I feel five years old and I'm like can we just do the lifts again?"

Strictly Come Dancing continues live on Saturday at 6:40pm on BBC One.

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