Catherine Tyldesley thinks ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestants may "struggle" without a live audience.
The former ‘Coronation Street’ actress – who competed on last year’s edition of the Latin and ballroom show – has opened up on the BBC’s changes to the upcoming series, and the impact an almost empty studio could have on the stars.
Speaking to Natalie Anderson on ‘The Capsule’ podcast, she said: "For me, the audience was a huge part of it.
"If you were having a bad week and the judges were slating your dance, then the audience were the ones who would lift you up. It’s going to be very different.
"Do I think I would struggle in those circumstances [without fans]? Yes. Because I fed off the audience. As an actress, I play to the audience not the judges, and this is maybe right or wrong, I don’t know."
However, Catherine is sure the famous faces who sign up for this year’s season will still enjoy their time in the competition.
She added: "I know that the contestants that take part this year will still have an amazing time, because the BBC will ensure that."
Catherine – who was paired with Johannes Radebe and made it to week five on the show – has looked back fondly on her ‘Strictly’ experience, and even gained some body confidence during her stint.
The star recently admitted she even used to dim the lights if she was stripping off in front of her husband Tom, but that has "massively changed" after appearing on the show.
Catherine felt self-conscious when a costume designer asked her to get undressed to try on a sparkly dress, but the crew member told her: "Look Cath, I’m going to see you naked a lot over the next six months. Get over it."
The 36-year-old star – who married Tom in 2016 and has five-year-old son Alfie with him – explained how she felt more comfortable after the experience, but described the process as "a journey".
She laughed: "It’s lights dimmed with Tom, my husband… It’s just getting over that. It’s a journey."