Best known for playing EastEnders' landlady Linda Carter, Kellie Bright is one of the 15 celebrities preparing to strut their stuff on this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
But can Kellie go from Queen of the Vic, to princess of the dancefloor?
What made you want to sign up for this year's Strictly?
"I'm going to be 40 next year and I thought this was a good time to try and be the fittest I've ever been in my life. Strictly appealed to the little girl in me and I longed to be whisked around a dancefloor."
How are you feeling about appearing on TV as yourself, rather than as your EastEnders’ character, Queen Vic landlady Linda Carter?
"For me, this is the scariest thing about doing Strictly – it's like crossing a line. I've decided I'm going to think of myself as a character who's a dancer. That's how I'm going to approach it. So whenever I'm on the dancefloor, I'm not me, I'm a dancer."
What did your on-screen husband Danny Dyer – who plays Mick Carter – have to say about you doing Strictly?
"He's a bit jealous that I'm going to be dancing with another man day in, day out. I've had to remind him he's not my real husband. He's a bit nervous for me, but also very excited. We're best friends, so he couldn't be more supportive if he tried."
You’ll still be working on EastEnders while taking part in Strictly. How will you juggle both?
"I don’t know! I’m just worried about when I’m going to learn my lines. It’s one thing having to film all day and then have dance rehearsal in the evenings, but then when do I learn the lines? I know doing both is going to be tough at times."
Your EastEnders co-star Jake Wood – who plays Max Branning – came fifth in last year’s Strictly. Has he given you any advice?
"Just to sleep and eat! That's what everyone says."
What dances are you looking forward to doing with your professional dance partner Kevin Clifton?
"I'm sure I'll be more into dances like the Jive – anything that's got a bit of bounce! Ballroom feels so elegant and poised – but I don’t think I'm a naturally elegant, poised person."
Sounds like you just want to enjoy yourself?
"Yeah, and I think that's the key. The people I've loved watching over the years are the ones who look like they're having the time of their life. I'm determined to have some fun!"
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Friday, September 25 at 9pm on BBC1.
