Caroline, 60, is currently getting prepared to strut her stuff on Strictly Come Dancing when the BBC Saturday night entertainment show returns next month. The Men Behaving Badly actress and comedian is just one of 12 celebrities taking part this year alongside Olympians, radio presenters, singers and soap stars. Fans are already speculating who could progress well in the competition and who might walk away with the Glitterball Trophy. However, Amanda Holden, 49, has spoken out about her former co-star signing up to the show and revealed her concern about something which could hold the comedian back.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge and Caroline worked together on a comedy called Kiss Me Kate which aired from 1998 to 2000.
Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, Amanda expressed her excitement at seeing her former co-star amongst the all-star cast this year.
Praising the contestant, the mother-of-two explained: “She was an absolute force and an inspiration to me.
“She had my back throughout. She taught me so much, especially women in our industry and to stick up for yourself.”
Unveiling the secret about the comedian’s past, she then added: “People don’t know that when she was a little girl, she was a proper ballet dancer. She went to Tring [Park School for the Performing Arts] and she can actually do it.”
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However, Amanda did express concern this could come at a cost as she explained: “But I don’t want anyone to hold that against her.
“Because I also know her knees have gone and she’ll be wearing special underwear on the nights.”
The talent show judge reiterated: “It’s definitely like she’s going to be starting again but I am rooting for her.”
It’s not yet known which professional dancer the comedian is going to be partnered with, so viewers will have to wait and see if they can train Caroline up to scratch.
According to the latest odds from the bookmakers, it seems fans of the show aren’t too optimistic about Caroline’s chances.
At the moment, the actress stands at 33/1 with Coral bookmakers to win the season, matching the odds of her competition, Bill Bailey, 55.
On the flip side, EastEnders star Maisie Smith, 19, is leading the charge as her chances of becoming champion are 3/1.
Just behind her are The Wanted singer Max George, 31, at 5/1 and Made In Chelsea personality, Jamie Laing, 31, at 6/1.
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Spokesperson John Hill said of the latest odds now the whole line-up has been revealed: “We expect Maisie Smith to be a big star on Strictly this year.
“The actress tops the early betting to the lift the Glitterball Trophy ahead of Max George and Jamie Laing respectively.”
Taking to social media, however, it seems other fans of the show are still supporting Caroline and championing for her to win.
One viewer posted on Twitter: “Good luck Caroline. So looking forward to seeing you dance. #exciting #strictly.”
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Another added on the social media platform: “Ooh and she has dance experience, from memory? Love Caroline. Good start #Strictly.”
Whilst a third commented: “Love Caroline Quentin. She’s brilliant and very talented. Looking forward to watching her in the #Strictly dance floor.”
Reacting to the news she had signed up this year, the comedian said: “I’ve been keeping it very quiet which is hard because I like to chat.
“I’m going to be there doing all those crazy dances. I am thrilled and terrified in equal measure to be taking part,” she told The One Show.
Strictly Come Dancing 2020 begins next month on BBC One.
