Greg Rutherford doesn’t want to strip on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The champion long jumper told producers he wouldn’t be flashing the flesh on the dance floor this series because he wants people to fall in love with his snake hips and groovy moves, but he’s now starting to think peeling off his kit may be the only option for success.
He explained: "Funnily enough, I said to the producers that I didn’t want to be ‘the sports guy who takes his top off’ – you know, there’s one in every series. I just wanted people to judge me on my dancing, but reality is kicking in now: if the dancing starts to go badly, I’ll have to go down the shirtless route."
However, the 29-year-old hunk has been training for 10 hours a day with his professional partner Natalie Lowe in the hope that he’ll know the moves like the back of his hand prior to his debut.
He said: "It’s going really well but it’s really tough. I’m doing 10-hour training days with my partner Natalie Lowe, because I’m hoping that putting in loads of hard work will make up for my innate lack of dancing ability when we take to the dance floor."
But the flame-haired athlete has already developed a love for ballroom and can’t wait to start doing lifts with his partner.
He explained: "The ballroom positions are lovely and suit my body shape, so that’s looking better. And I’m strong, so if there are any lifts to be done I’ll be straight in there."
The competition may not be in full swing just yet but Greg has already sussed out his competitors and believes sports presenter Ore Oduba will be one to watch as the series progresses.
Speaking to the Metro newspaper, he said: "Ore is one to watch. He’s got rhythm and he’s my dance floor mate, so I’ve got to tip him. Will Young has done ballet and Claudia Fragapane looks strong too."
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ will hit screens on Friday (23.09.16) on BBC One at 9pm.
Greg Rutherford won’t strip on Strictly Come Dancing
