Yahoo News Fleur East says It Takes Two role is helping her avoid Strictly Come Dancing FOMO
Singer Fleur East has said she wanted to host Strictly: It Takes Two so that she didn't have to miss out on ballroom fever this year
Fleur East was one of the biggest stars of Strictly Come Dancing 2022, stunning fans with routines including a Beyonce-inspired Salsa.
It's tough to go from the crowd cheering on a perfect 40 to watching from the sidelines as a new cast of celebrities hit the dancefloor, but East, 35, says she is relieved not to have to worry about jealousy as she will still be part of the show as the new host of spin-off series Strictly: It Takes Two.
East, who is covering for Janette Manrara's maternity leave, said: "I am buzzing, I can't wait to do It Takes Two this year.
"I think because I would have had serious FOMO watching everybody else dance this year, and I was trying to deny that I’d be bitter, watching other people do it. But the truth is I would have been.
"So now I get to be involved, I get to be behind the scenes. I mean it’s a dream come true!"
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East, who was a runner up in 2022 with dancing partner Vito Coppola, said that Manrara had been a huge support to her.
She said: "Janette has been amazing, she called me straight away, as soon as she found out. She was like, 'yes I am so happy it’s you.'
"I've worked with Jeanette on the tour, I've spent a lot of time with her. She's amazing, she's a powerhouse, the thing she said to me was what I've got on my side, is experience of being on the show. So I can identify with all the celebs who are going through it this year! So perfect!"
East was speaking from Disneyland Paris, where she was launching the park's new show Together: A Pixar Musical Adventure along with Michelle Heaton and Jake Quickenden.
Asked who she would like to see in this year's Strictly cast, she said: "Almost everyone's done it now. There is someone that I know, who is a dear friend of mine - Doctor Zoe from This Morning, and I think she's got a secret dancer in her. I think she would be amazing on Strictly!"
She also passed on her top tips for this year's mystery line-up, admitting she had not been prepared for how hard it would be: "I think for anyone doing Strictly you need to be prepared that it is going to be the hardest thing you're ever going to do!
"At first, I thought I was just going to glide along the ballroom dance floor. And no, it’s very, very difficult.
"But as soon as you accept the challenge, the glitz, the glamour, the sequins. It is all as fabulous as it seems on TV - and you will have the best time."
Together: A Pixar Musical Adventure brings to life some of Pixar's most beloved characters for the new show at Disneyland Paris in a musical show featuring the likes of Monsters Inc's Sulley, Coco's Miguel, and Toy Story legend Buzz Lightyear.
