Gemma Atkinson had to "cut" her shoes for her ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ training – and her partner had to glue them back together.
The former ‘Emmerdale’ star has been working hard with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, and their rigorous routines have left her with swollen feet, but attempts to accommodate her discomfort didn’t really work out.
She said: "I’ve been putting my feet in ice at night to stop any swelling.
"We cut the end of my shoes to give my feet more room and the sole started peeling back, so Aljaž had to run out and buy Superglue."
The 32-year-old actress hit it off straight away with both Aljaž and his wife, fellow ‘Strictly’ professional Janette Manrara, and enjoys training with them both.
She said: "I’m thrilled because Aljaž is taller than me. He’s a world champion and won ‘Strictly’ with Abbey Clancy so no pressure! I like the fact he’s so technical with his dancing. He has a laugh, so I’ve struck gold really…
"Janette is lovely and so petite. She’s got the most insane physique. But what’s great is if I’m struggling with anything, I watch her dance with Aljaž and learn from that.
"Janette and I also have the same birthday, November 16, so we’re fellow Scorpios."
And Gemma was relieved to find it wasn’t as awkward as she expected to dance close to her partner.
She told OK! magazine"I thought it would be awkward but it’s not like that with Aljaž because he’s my mate.
"Hopefully the dance will look intimate when necessary, but before and after rehearsals, we’re sat around eating Nando’s, burping, and having a laugh."
Gemma Atkinson ‘cut’ her Strictly shoes
