Darcey Bussell

Since finishing my professional dancing career, I've been conscious of not letting myself go.

I absolutely loved learning how to do stage make-up at 16: it was so interesting to learn all about what you can do with make-up, such as contouring or shadowing eyes. We had a lot of fun.

I need help to ensure I grow old gracefully! So now I always apply moisturiser and foundation with an SPF, to protect my skin from the sun.

I wore myself out physically and mentally over my career, and I couldn't be there for my daughters in ways I should have been.

If you have enough ambition, you can create talent!

Dancers are working their bodies just like a marathon runner would, and you have to eat to make it through a three-hour performance. Dancers put their bodies through incredible strain.

There are always younger and better dancers fighting to get your place. You get worn down by the fight to try to stay at the top.

I always knew I was a bit different from my friends, had too much energy, and suddenly I could get it all out with ballet.

I am damn good with money.

I do feel blessed to have small ears - I've never felt self-conscious when my hair is swept back. My feet are a different story - I grew up being painfully aware of them because they are so long.

I've come to realise that being on 'Strictly' is like being in another theatre company and performing a live production.

I've always been quite conscious of it, though I don't know why. I would never overspend, and I have to know exactly what I've got so that I avoid going into overdraft. I watch my pennies, and I'm quite thrifty.