Q&A with Carol Kirkwood
Have you ever wondered how Strictly's ray of sunshine, Carol Kirkwood, squeezes in training around her Weather Reporter day job? Or what her favourite dances are? Or perhaps you're simply dying to know what she has for breakfast at 2.45am? Well, Carol answered all your burning questions on Twitter and Facebook and here are the results!
What made you want to take part in Strictly this year?
I've been a huge fan of the show since it started and it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss. It's so wonderful to be trained by one of the best dancers in the world.
It's so wonderful to be trained by one of the best dancers in the world.Carol Kirkwood
What’s the best thing about doing Strictly?
The camaraderie. The glamour. The glitz. The strong bonds between us all. Being taught to dance by Pasha.
What’s it like dancing with Pasha?
It's an absolute delight - he's the most patient, lovely man and I feel privileged to have him teach me to dance.
Which one of the routines that you've danced on Strictly is your favourite?
Torn between the Paso and the Foxtrot.
What was it like opening the show for Movie Week?
Amazing, but still a wee bit scary but nothing will ever be as scary in my life as the first ever show(!)
What dance are you looking forward to dancing?
The Waltz because it's so elegant and graceful.
Which dance are you not looking forward to performing?
The Argentine Tango – my legs are more than likely going to get tied in a knot in that one!
Which is your favourite dress so far in the competition?
The one from the Launch Show or the one from the Cha Cha Cha.
When it comes to costumes, do you have any input or are they made for you?
No, the first time we see them is on Friday for fitting. But the wardrobe department absolutely know what they're doing. Did you know that all our dresses are leotards with skirts on top?
If you could choose to dance to any song, which song would it be?
Anything by Bryan Adams, maybe Please Forgive Me or Summer of 69.
How many hours of training do you do per day?
I go to work, get to training for 10.30am, so 6-7 hours a day.
What do you have for breakfast? Do you even feel like eating at that time?
Cereal. But Pasha's always checking up whether I've eaten or not and during our training sessions… lots of bananas.
I tend to eat a lot more fish... I'm surprised I haven't sprouted fins!Carol Kirkwood
Has your diet changed since starting on Strictly to allow for the extra calorie burn required?
Yes. I'm now permanently hungry. I tend to eat a lot more fish and I am surprised I haven't sprouted fins!
Do you ever get a lie in?
On a Sunday at the moment 6am is a lie in, because I normally get up at 2:45am.
What time do you go to bed?
When I'm in Strictly, I try to be in bed by 9pm (it's a bit later because of training) but mostly it's by 8pm.
If you weren't a weather lady what job would you do?
I would be a nurse.
Which BBC Weather presenter would you like to see on Strictly next year?
Phil Avery because he's such a fan of the show. But I think there would be a queue of people who'd want to do it.
Has former Strictly winner Chris Hollins been giving you any tips?
Yes. He told me to leave all the hard work to Pasha!
Which other celebrities do you get on well with?
All of them. We all formed a close bond very early on.
Have you had a spray tan for Strictly yet?
Of course! It's all part of the experience and I'm having another one today!
Your previous dance experience was limited to Scottish country dancing... would you take it up again?
I've only done Scottish dancing at weddings and I love it. Bring on the next wedding.
Who is your inspiration?
Pasha.
