Carol Kirkwood's 'terrifying' Strictly secret

Carol Kirkwood has described her participation in Strictly Come Dancing as a 'terrifying' ordeal. The 63-year-old former BBC weather presenter confessed that she initially hesitated to join the show due to fears of embarrassing herself. She found the experience of getting 'up close and personal' with dance partner Pasha Kovalev to be embarrassing, stating it was not like being on a reality dating show. Kirkwood recalled that her partner's exceptional skill meant he learned the routines quickly. Each week, contestants' costumes were adjusted as they lost weight. Kirkwood detailed the lengthy process of hair, makeup, and costume preparation on Saturdays. Despite the rigorous schedule, she cherished the experience as 'amazing' and unforgettable. During live shows, Kirkwood admitted to experiencing intense fear at the top of the illuminated stairs, often looking for an 'escape route'. She would sometimes forget her steps and ask Pasha to run through them, highlighting the show's stressful nature. Kirkwood also expressed a strong aversion to appearing on 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!', citing a fear of snakes. Regarding 'Race Across the World,' she humorously suggested a brief stop for cocktails in Singapore before heading home.