Strictly Come Dancing star Tony Adams revealed he had a tense moment with dance partner Katya Jones hours before performing on Saturday night.
The 56-year-old held ‘crisis’ talks backstage after becoming overwhelmed by fear during the couple’s dress rehearsal, which led to Jones delivering some "home truths".
Appearing on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two on Tuesday, Adams told host Rylan Clark: "I was full of fear beforehand. We had a team talk.
"She [Katya] came into my dressing room after our dress rehearsal and told me a few home truths about me holding back.
"I think she admits it could have gone either way. I could have thrown my toys out of the pram and gone home. But I fought back the fear and just kind of went for it."
Adams’ professional dance partner Katya Jones said: "What you said is right, I took a risk. It could have fallen apart or it could have given him that extra fire in his belly.
"I took a risk because I thought that’s what he needs right now. It definitely did pay off."
Adams jokingly compared Jones’ telling off to that of his old Arsenal boss George Graham; fortunately, the dancer’s stern words didn’t have the same outcome.
The former sports star continued: "The last time I’ve been told off like that was by George Graham and I left the dressing room. I said ‘that’s not for me anymore, I’m going’.
"Katya’s more attractive than George Graham, maybe that’s why I put up with it."
Ultimately Jones’ word helped as the dancing duo finally impressed judges over the weekend when they performed an American Smooth to With A Little Help from My Friends, by Joe Cocker.
The pair earned a total score of 26, which led Adams to accidentally swear with joy live on the BBC ballroom stalwart.
Meanwhile, Jones, 33, spoke about the difficulties she faces in rehearsals with the sports personality, revealing that he needs constant praise.
The Russian dancer explained: “Tony requires about 200 per cent praise, which is not possible in this very intense learning process.
“Everything can’t be amazing all the time. So, I just get him socks. I said to him that every week we get through I’ll get him a pair of new socks.
“The ones this week have got our faces on. That puts a smile on his face.”
