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.
From 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.
I don't mind how good or bad my partner is, as long as we have a lovely time.
Mum was always hard-working. She came over from Spain and bought her own council house.
The Fred Astaire movies made a huge impression on me.
My goal was to become the best dancer in the world and, because I started late, I always had this feeling I was playing catch-up, so I've been a bit of a maniac most of my life, sort of striving.
I have no trouble with my sleep, but the amount I have varies from four to eight hours, depending on my schedule.
So much illness is self-induced - which I can't stand. And I'm not a good nursemaid. Don't call me if you're ill.
The worst question is, 'Where do you see yourself in five years?' I don't know. Variety is the spice of life. That's the best way to describe it.
I want to do lots of exciting, varied, interesting things. That's what I want to do.
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