Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson reveals she will be battling crippling stage fright to take part in the show – and she almost turned the job down due to her nerves
GEMMA Atkinson almost turned down the offer to be on Strictly Come Dancing because of her crippling stage fright.
The former Emmerdale actress has joined this year's line up alongside the likes of Saturday's singer Mollie King and former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
But despite spending her career in front of the cameras, the 32-year-old confessed she has terrible nerves about going on live TV.
She told the Daily Star Sunday: "I didn't say yes straight away. In fact I almost turned it down.
"I was worried about Strictly throwing me back into the spotlight and I was scared of performing on live TV each week in front of 12million people.
"I've been in huge shows like Emmerdale, Casualty and Hollyoaks but I'm used to pre-recording everything.
"I actually stopped doing live theatre about 10 years ago because it is so nerve-racking, but I'll just have to get over that."
However Gemma had to bite the bullet when BBC bosses issued her with an ultimatum.
She said: "After two weeks they chased my agent for an answer.
"My mum told me it was such an amazing opportunity and I would be silly to turn it down.
Most Read in TV & Showbiz
"I always think it is better to do something and it go wrong than regret not doing something and never knowing, so I said yes."
Fans of the actress will know she is in remarkably good shape thanks to her healthy living and exercise regime.
But the star denied her incredible physique and fitness would give her an unfair advantage over her fellow celebrities.
She said: "I'd like to think I'm fit enough to do it but I don't have any dance experience at all so that's not going to be enough to get me through."
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.