Strictly hopeful Jason Bell says he is terrified ahead of the first competitive dances this weekend.
The former American footbal l star, partnered with Luba Mushtuk, told the Mirror: “I’m scared out of my mind doing this but I’m out there to have fun.
“Anytime I step on the field, everything goes away. There’s a lot of similarities between this and playing in the NFL but I think it’s the unknown that’s hard to deal with.
“And though every time I get on the field I’m nervous and scared, I have experience to lean on. I have none now. So really, I’m leaning on Luba, and she’s giving me a lot of tips and tricks, things to focus on to regulate those emotions.”
The BBC NFL pundit, 42, who has daughter Anaíya, six, with Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle, praised Luba for pushing him to the limit, even if it means he risks flaring up old injuries.
He said: “Luba is whipping me into shape! She’s the boss, it's do as Luba says, and the day will go fantastic!
“The training is extremely difficult. I’ve always respected other’s professions but these dancers are on another level. The way they practice and the work they put in... I don’t know how they last.
“Everything they do is beautiful but the sacrifice they make is extreme.
“I’m feeling all my old football injuries. I’ve always had a routine that I’ve done after my NFL career to protect my back, lots of stretches and stuff like that. I had to retire because of a back injury and surgery, so I’m just continuing to do that routine.”
Tomorrow night fans will see Jason and Luba tackle the salsa.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday on BBC One at 9pm.
