Judy Murray took a secret test before taking on Strictly Come Dancing

Jamie and Andy Murray reacted very differently to news of their mum’s new TV project.

A training session convinced Judy Murray to hit the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor.

Judy, mum of tennis champ Andy, had a private lesson with pro dancer Robin Windsor before deciding to join.

“I had a dummy run to see if I would like it,” said Judy.

“Some people try it and decide it’s not for them. We had an hour and he taught me to cha cha cha and waltz.

“He was great fun and I really enjoyed doing it. That made me decide I’d like to try it.”

Dance novice Judy, 54, is a Strictly superfan but she says the sheer amount of time she’d have to devote to the show was her concern.

“You don’t know how far you might go but if you went to the end you’re carving out three-and-a-half months of your life. To master it you have to give six hours a day, five days a week before the show on the weekend.

“And other than school dances or weddings I’ve never danced before so I’m starting from a completely clean sheet. My life has been tennis for so long that this was completely different and a big challenge I just wanted to do.”

Judy’s fondness for track suits and trainers and aversion to high heels is well known and she says she needed a bit of last minute practice.

“Last week I bought a CD with the track we’re dancing to for the launch show. I took my heels home with me from training, got in my kitchen where I’ve got a wooden floor and practised by myself. I felt a lot better after that.”

Judy has spoken of how the reaction from each of her sons was different Jamie saying she’d love it and Andy saying she’d be terrible.

“But they know how much I love Strictly and if it makes me happy, they’ll be happy. I can imagine them watching from behind their hands or slowly sliding underneath their seats if they’re in the audience. That’s what mothers are for to embarrass their children.”

Rugby hunk Thom Evans is the other celeb flying the Scottish flag and Judy admits there’s a healthy rivalry.

“We’re really competitive and we’re already saying we don’t care how far we get as long as we beat the other,” laughs Judy.

There has been comment about the outfits getting skimpier but Judy says she’s going with the flow.

“I think you have to embrace the whole thing and get into the fake tan and sparkles. As long as the outfits aren’t too short as I’m not used to showing my legs.

“I’ve already had a few messages from the girls on the tennis circuit who think I’m a little bit crazy. But I’d never have dreamed I’d get the opportunity to do this so I’m just going to get stuck in.”