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Famous for her “hot legs” and fun-loving personality, Penny Lancaster is now under the spotlight and over the moon at being chosen to samba around the ballroom. Penny, recently married to rock legend Rod Stewart and the proud mother of their two-year-old son Alastair, is now Epping and LA’s very own dancing queen. Penny is currently starring as a contestant in the fifth series of the hit BBC1 show Strictly Come Dancing, competing with professional dance partner Ian Waite.

Having previously appeared on many TV chat shows, including Richard & Judy and Al Murray’s Happy Hour, Penny is no stranger to the small screen – and is confidently showing her moves and cutting some rug to impress the judges of Strictly. And if she can win Craig over, she’s definitely doing something right!

Part of in Magazine’s Events Team, Claudia de Burgh Leather and her sisters Nina and Tanya, glided across the dancefloor to find out how the 6’1 model is enjoying the glitz and glamour of the ballroom…

iN) Penny, congratulations on your fantastic performances so far. Your training started in LA, how has that been?

PL) Training in LA was so laid back. We trained at our house there. The show seemed such a long way off; the time was spent with Ian and I getting to know each other, learning the techniques. Once we arrived back in the UK the nerves set in; I think I realised the seriousness and now we dance wherever we can.

iN) What has been your favourite dance to learn and why?

PL) I’ve really enjoyed learning the Samba, and the outfits are fantastic. Obviously the Jive wasn’t my dance. I think my long limbs are not compatible with the jive moves. I enjoyed the Quickstep, the first dance we learnt, that was great fun and getting great marks helped.

iN) Is performing live as nerve-racking as it looks?

PL) They are actually more nerve-racking… you feel like you’re going to throw up! My legs turn to jelly and you feel rooted to the spot, you just don’t know if you can make it to the floor!

iN) What do you think of the judges?

PL) Obviously the judges are just doing their job. They are controversial, but I expect they need to make it as entertaining as possible. I just wish they were more constructive rather than being so personal.

iN) How is your partnership with Ian Waite?

PL) Ian and I hit it off immediately. Rod and I have had him over for dinner, too. It really helps to have such a compatible partnership with regards to the routines – especially as he is taller than me!

iN) And how does Rod feel about the show?

PL) Rod absolutely loves the show. He loves the fact that it is allround family entertainment. He has been amazed how everyone is gripped by Strictly, everyone loves it.

iN) Has it been difficult to juggle training with family life?

PL) Strictly totally takes over your life. I eat, drink and sleep the show! Rod has been able to come to the show a few times, and Alastair often pops in during training or helps me practice my routines at home!

iN) You have always been very loyal and proud of your Essex roots. How have you found the support locally?

PL) The support has been overwhelming from my family and friends. I know my Essex girls have posters in their cars, badges and all sorts of ‘Vote Penny’ merchandise. That certainly keeps me going.

iN) We last saw you at this year’s Duke of Essex Polo Trophy at Gaynes Park. How did you enjoy your day?

PL) This was another fantastic day; all the Essex crowd together, and thank God the weather held out! And it’s all for such a worthwhile and important cause: The Together Breast Cancer Charity is certainly close to my heart, as we lost a very dear friend, Maria Falco, in 2005 to Breast Cancer.

iN) Who do you think is your biggest competition so far?

PL) Personally, I think Alesha is amazing. She has fantastic technique and is always absolutely spot on. Her personality and enthusiasm shine through. She’s a natural.

iN) Finally, what’s next for Penny Lancaster Stewart?

PL) I can’t actually think ahead of the show on Saturday, I am so focused day in day out on Strictly and the routines involved, so no plans at the moment!