Clara Amfo: Strictly speaking, I am a little nervous

Performing for millions of viewers may give Clara Amfo a few butterflies, but the Strictly contestant insists nerves are exactly what she needs to get through each live show.

Ahead of last night’s movie-themed performance, the 36-year-old said she was using nervous energy to ensure her dances were step-perfect, and hoped that would help keep her in the competition.

She said: “For however long I last on the show, I don’t think the nerves are going to leave me – and I don’t think I want them to.

“When I’m doing my day job, especially hosting live TV, if I’m not nervous I almost feel a little weird. I use that nervous feeling to spur me on.”

Last night saw the BBC Radio 1 presenter dance the tango to Lady Marmalade from the hit Baz Luhrmann film, Moulin Rouge, alongside professional partner Aljaž Skorjanec.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, contestants and professionals have formed “Close Contact Cohort” bubbles, which requires one half of the pairing to live alone throughout filming. As a result, Aljaž and wife Janette Manrara, who is partnered with 21-year-old singer HRVY, have been forced to live apart for the first time in 10 years.

Although it’s been tough, the 30-year-old admitted it had been worth the sacrifice to bring Strictly to the air.

“I can’t do anything without Janette, so as soon as I wake up we’re on FaceTime,” laughed Aljaž, who last won the Glitterball Trophy in 2013 with model Abbey Clancy.

“But we are determined to our absolute best to make sure we stay safe, the show stays safe, and so do the celebrities.”

Last week former MP Jacqui Smith and partner Anton du Beke became the first couple to leave the show, having scored just 12 points for their samba to Tom Jones’ Help Yourself, and losing in the dance-off to reality star Jamie Laing and Karen Hauer.

Clara said: “It’s sad to see her go. I think I’m in a bit of denial that somebody has to leave every week.”

Strictly continues tonight, BBC1, 7.25pm