Wednesday, 11 November 2009

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Karen Hardy: Gorgeous Ricky Whittle to win Strictly!

Professional dancer is a fan of the actor

Karen Hardy was paired with TV chef Gary Rhodes on Strictly last year

Karen Hardy is backing Ricky Whittle to take top prize on Strictly Come Dancing this year.

The professional dancer, who won the show in 2006, hasn't taken part this year.

But she has no doubt who she would choose as a partner.

'Ricky Whittle!' she tells Now exclusively. 'He is really good at what he does, and gorgeous.

'The only problem for him is if the public thinks "he's been so good, there has to be something wrong with him".

'Ricky Groves is a lot of fun too, he's the strangest character I've ever met!'

Karen, 39, has been busy opening her own studio but says she misses competing in the show.

'I decided I really couldn't take it on board this year,' she says.

'But the other day we were watching it and my son, who is four-and-a half, said "when are you coming down the stairs mummy?"

'It was very emotional for me.'

Karen's kept in touch with her former dance partner Mark Ramprakash, who she says is just as shy as when they met.

The pair will reunite for a dance on Saturday November 14 at the Born Free Wild and Live gig, also featuring Peter Andre and Bryan Adams.

'I'm really looking forward to it. I've designed an amazing dress with the designers from Strictly, it's worth £5,000 and I'm hoping it will have the wow factor,' she says.  

Don't miss Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour 2010, click here to book your tickets now!>>