Q&A with Helen George

What does Helen George find more intense: the birth scenes in Call The Midwife or getting feedback from the Judges? Does she enjoy ruffling Aljaz’s hair? And how does running a marathon compare to a Charleston? Find out the answers to all of the above questions – and more – in our exclusive Q&A.

What will be the one moment from Strictly you’ll take away with you?

Our first Waltz. I was so nervous but I absolutely loved that dance. It felt as though it was just me and Aljaz on the dance floor and no one was watching.

I was so nervous but I absolutely loved the Waltz... It felt as though it was just me and Aljaz on the dance floor

Helen George

Is your Strictly experience what you expected? And how do you stop yourself ruffling Aljaz’s lovely hair?

Aljaz hates his hair being touched so every day I try and touch it as much as possible just to annoy him. And this week, he doesn't know it yet, but I am going to touch it during the dance! The experience has been everything I expected and more. It has been harder than I thought and more emotional, but the rewards have been incredible.

Do you have any techniques to handle nerves before you dance?

I listen to classical music and I try to block out everything that's happening around me and focus.

What has been the hardest dance you’ve had to learn?

Probably the Salsa because our routine was so energetic. It had so many very difficult lifts and there is such a unique style to it.

Which part of your body hurts the most after dancing?

My mind. I can't retain any information. I can barely remember my name!

What has been your favourite dance and why?

The Rumba because it felt as though it had the most narrative and I enjoyed acting it. I loved the way the dance sat in my body.

If you could best describe yourself as a dance style, what would you be and why?

I'm probably more of a Waltz. I'm quite laid back when I want to be and try not to get too frantic.

What’s easier, learning lines for Call The Midwife or learning a new dance?

When learning a dance, picking up the steps gets easier each week. Learning lines again is like any muscle: you have to exercise both for them to work well and quickly. But learning lines is definitely easiest.

Who is your best friend on Strictly?

Aljaz

Alison Hammond is my favourite Strictly celeb. Aljaz shows me her dances to inspire me to perform and come out of my shell

Helen George

Which Pro male dancer would you have liked if you hadn’t been paired with Aljaz?

I can't imagine dancing with anyone but Aljaz! He was my favourite dancer going into the competition and I never thought that I would ever be put with him.

What's the funniest thing Aljaz does in the training room?

Everything! He is so much fun. We spend most of the day laughing, giggling and messing around. I think we are probably one of the most laid back couples and we just enjoy each other's company.

What has been your favourite dress to wear on Strictly so far?

The first dress I wore for the Waltz. I loved the ostrich feathers.

Which advice from the judges has helped you most so far?

Len talking about heel leads. I didn't really understand what they were when I first started and now it's all I think about... day and night!

What's more intense the birth scenes in Call The Midwife or getting feedback from the Judges?

They're on a par but I'd rather see a baby being born than grumpy Len who didn't enjoy my dance!

What do you do to wind down after the results show and what is your favourite after show supper?

A glass of wine and a bag of chips after I've burnt so many calories in the day.

How would you compare running the London marathon and that fab Charleston?

During the Marathon I didn't have to sprint up a staircase half way through so I'd say they were on a par.

Who’s your favourite celebrity to have done Strictly?

Alison Hammond! Aljaz shows me her dances to inspire me to perform and come out of my shell.