Dame Sarah Storey has revealed the most challenging aspect of her Strictly Come Dancing experience so far, as she prepares to make her first live appearance on the show this weekend.
The Paralympian was partnered with Julian Caillon, who joined the programme last year, during the launch show. Fans saw a brief glimpse of their partnership in that episode, but the pair will take to the dance floor for their first full routine and initial judges' scores on September 26.
Ahead of the first live broadcast, the duo have shared training clips on social media. In one video, Julian asked Sarah what she has found toughest about the process so far.
Step timings prove tricky
Sarah responded: "Getting the difference between the step timings. So, making sure the transitions between the speeds that we need to do and where my weight is transferring from one foot to the other, sometimes I get ahead of myself."
Later in the footage, Julian praised his celebrity partner, telling viewers she has been "absolutely smashing it", and asked how she feels about their first live performance this weekend.
Sarah remarked: "I'm quite excited. I think what's really interesting is you teaching me to look for the red light."
Fans react to training clip
The athlete explained that in competition she is normally forbidden from looking at cameras, but now she must constantly seek them out. In another clip, Julian offered a glimpse into a full day of rehearsals, revealing a preview of their debut dance, which appears to be a quickstep.
Viewers were quick to comment on the video, with many praising how well they looked. One fan said: "The sneak peek looks amazing! ! Can't wait for Saturday! You'll both smash it."
Another added: "Ooo, I love this!!! Dance is looking so good, and I love how you combine your fitness with your dance." A third wrote: "OOOOOO THAT LOOKED GOOD!!" A fourth Strictly enthusiast commented: "Is that the Quickstep I see? You're going to smash it, Jules!!! Hoping you and Sarah go far this year!"
Other debuts this weekend
Also set to make their dance floor debut this weekend are Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu, Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby, Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden, Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr, and Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita.
Joining them will be Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington, Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley, Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu, John Nellis and Katya Jones, and Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola.
Other celebrities and their pro partners hoping to lift the Glitterball trophy this year include Will Best and Dianne Buswell, Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał, and Melanie Walters and Aljaž Škorjanec.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on Saturday (September 26) on BBC One at 6:15pm.
