Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova has spoken out in praise of her Christmas special dancing partner Larry Lamb.
Lamb, at 75, is the competition's oldest ever male contestant and fought back from ill health in order to take to the dancefloor.
The former EastEnders and Gavin & Stacey actor will be a part of the BBC show's Christmas edition, despite being so ill he could barely walk.
Strictly professional Nadiya has spoken out before she takes to the dancefloor with Lamb in the hope of winning the Glitterball trophy.
However, training hasn't been easy as Nadiya revealed it had been 'challenging' as Lamb battled ill health issues.
Speaking to The Sun, Nadiya said: "It's incredible he's going to be dancing.
"It's quite a challenge because he couldn't walk a couple of years ago because of some health problems and operations.
"It's not my thing to say really, but for him now to dance, it's exciting.
"Larry is a legend, people love him. When I found out and told everyone, people couldn't believe it. It's Christmas and it's fun, so I'm really looking forward to it."
She added: "We started training a week ago. We don't get much time and for now we're just enjoying the music."
The pair will compete against celebrities including former Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts and BBC radio presenter Rickie Haywood-Williams in the show, which will air on Christmas Day on BBC One.
Nadiya has previously been paired with celebrities including 80s star Matt Goss, EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami and news presenter Dan Walker.
The professional dancer also offered her view after singer and actress Kym Marsh became the tenth contestant to leave, the competition. Nadiya explained how it showed that having a background in entertainment doesn't always work in their favour.
She said: "I would not say it gives them an advantage. Naturally it helps, every experience helps with that.
"If you are an actor, that will help you with some things and if you had some dance experience, it might help you understand other things.
"As a musician, the rhythm might help you, so whatever you have with you always helps, but this is a completely different thing.
"Once the camera is on, the pressure is on, and it's something they've never done before. It is challenging, and I think they are all really enjoying it.
"Kym did an incredible job, but someone has to go, unfortunately. We all wish we were still dancing, but it is incredible to watch the show too."
Nadiya joined the Strictly crew in 2017 and has managed to reach the quarter-finals twice, but never partnered a winner. However, she says she has her sights set on lifting the Glitterball in the future.
She said: "Right now I feel physically fit and able and I am still enjoying being a performer.
"As long as I can be as good as I can, I will enjoy it. But you do feel it in your body - every athlete does - because physically you need to be fit, so you just need to be aware of it.
"Strictly is a great place to be and we have the best producers we can dream of. Right now, I don't think the line-up of professionals has ever been better, and somehow it's getting better and better every year. It feels like I am in the right place for the moment."
