Anton du Beke

Because we had no money when I was growing up, when I started dancing, I wasn't allowed to be frivolous - my mum made me go to every lesson because she was paying for it.

As soon as I started dancing at 14, I knew I was always going to be a professional dancer.

When you dance together, there's a fabulous interaction. It's quite intimate. You're touching your partner, leading them. Learning how to behave in that person's proximity is a skill. I love it. I can't imagine tiring of it.

Strictly' is a bit like scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup Final or sinking the final putt in the Ryder Cup - only a few people get the opportunity to do it, and they have got to be famous.

A dancer's career is short - you just keep going until your legs pack up.

My goal is to be the best TV presenter, the best entertainer, the best singer. I still want to be the best dancer. I want to be the best at everything I do.

Being a competitive dancer is an expensive business - you have to buy the £2,000 or so tail suit and the shoes, and then get yourself around the world to the competitions. And there is not a lot of money to be made in competing."

There is not a lot of money in competition dancing. There never has been; it's all about winning the trophies, really. It's not like golf.

At places like Chelsea, often the garden displays are so big and grand that you'd never be able to have them at home.

The world would be a better place if everyone learned to dance.

One day, I just wandered into a dance class full of girls, and that was it. I thought, 'Hang on! I'll have a bit of this.' I went back a week later and got dragged up by the teacher. It wasn't a massive calling.

I have no trouble with my sleep, but the amount I have varies from four to eight hours, depending on my schedule.