Fleur East says she hopes to win Strictly so she can send a message of hope to girls battling racism.
The star looked up to Spice Girls singer Mel B when she suffered discrimination while chasing stardom.
And she thinks lifting the Glitterball on the BBC dance contest could make her an icon for young girls facing the same cruel taunts.
Fleur, 34, and pro dance partner Vito Coppola, 30, are among the bookies’ favourites – but she wants to go one better than when she was runner-up on ITV ’s X Factor in 2014.
She said: “I want to do my bit to inspire the next generation. You need to be able to see people you look like. Mel B was that person for me.
"She rocked it with her big hair and made me believe I could be a pop star. I want young girls to look up to me and realise anything is possible.
"You have to see people like you, doing what you want to do, to believe you can do it too. Otherwise, you won’t make it.”
Opening up about her background, Fleur added: “It can be strange for people like me because I grew up in a dual-heritage family. I often feel like I am on both sides.
“As I’ve grown older I also feel privileged because it gives me a well-balanced view.
“I can see the ignorance but then also have the gift to be able to explain it from both sides with an unbiased view.”
Opening up about her identity and struggle, she went on: “Of course I have been the victim of racism. I don’t have that privilege of walking into a room and being considered white.
"I am considered to be a woman of colour.
"I am a black woman, which unfortunately means my path is different to someone else of a different race. It’s hard not to take that personally at times.
“It has made things harder but I have never let it stop me achieving what I want.
“I don’t think racism is ever going to go away, to be honest. People are calling it out more, which is helping.
“I definitely think it is getting better and fewer people are willing to tolerate it. But there will always be ignorant people.”
Fleur, who was on I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2018, is balancing rehearsals with her 6am shift hosting Hits Radio’s Breakfast – and the keep-fit fan says her exercise routine helps.
She added: “I love exercising, keeping fit and training hard.
"I am also determined and love a challenge. I love to push.”
