Ray Fearon on Strictly Come Dancing

What with Fred Elliot (RIP) dying, there's not been a spare slot to write up something that I should have done earlier this week. But here it is in all its glory.  Ray Fearon who played garage mechanic Nathan Harding on Coronation Street is taking part in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing which started last weekend on the telly.  Now I'm old enough to remember the original Come Dancing hosted by Terry Wogan (gotta love that fella) where female contestants were up all night stitching on their sequins by hand. So I love the new version of the programme and have seen every one. Well, Ray's an absolute star and a joy to watch in his tight trousers as he's dancing with partner Camilla Dallerup.  The judges were blown away by his first dance and he's fast become one of the faves to win the show.  His sexy moves almost made judge Arlene Phillips come out in a hot flush. Can't wait to see more of him, he's brill and you can keep up to date with Strictly Come Dancing over on our sister site TV Scoop.

Ray told the BBC website: 'I wasn't going to do it when they first asked me, but my eight-year-old daughter Rosa May persuaded me. She is a huge fan of the show and she'd never have forgiven me if I hadn't done it. A few years ago I would never have gone on something like this; I took myself far too seriously. Rosa May has made me lighten up and I just think about how thrilled she'll be to see me on the show.'