TV and radio presenter Anita Rani says appearing on Strictly Come Dancing was something her mum always dreamed of.

Anita best known for presenting Countryfile and The One Show shows off a whole new side on Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.

Thirty-seven year-old Anita who hails from Bradford speaks about the challenges she has faced since joining Strictly.

“Dancing is like learning a whole new language from scratch. It’s really challenging.

“My body is doing things it has never done before. I do the odd bit of yoga, but nothing could have prepared me for ‘dancing.’ “I love dancing as much as anyone- I’m always dancing at parties. But dancing at a party and actually dancing is world’s apart.

“I have a weird friction burn on my arm that I only noticed this morning. I have no idea how I got that! It goes to show how intense rehearsals are.

“Today I am broken and exhausted! It’s my day off, and I was contemplating going for a swim, but in actual fact, all I want to do is sit all day!”

Anita has revealed she has had to makes changes to her diet to accommodate her gruelling new regime.

“I’m eating double what I used to eat!

“I’m piling on the carbs baby. I’m filling up on toast and potatoes and pasta.

“I was pretty healthy when it comes to food anyway. But we’re training so hard that I need to bulk up with more food.

“I want to make sure I don’t lose any weight. I’m thin enough. If I lose weight I’ll end up looking emaciated.”

Anita’s dance partner, the statuesque Gleb Savchenko is a new addition to this year’s Strictly line-up.

“Gleb is a genetic freak, he’s that beautiful! But I will say, he is beautiful inside and out. He has a beautiful wife and an equally beautiful family.

“I’m completely in awe of Gleb. He’s an incredible dancer, a brilliant teacher. When we are dancing it’s like I am in a dream.

“The dancing has allowed me to tap into a different side of my personality. A side that has been previously suppressed.

“But I admit there are many steps that I am dreading learning, including lifts!”

As well as looking forward to the energetic dance routines, the audience is always in anticipation of the glittering outfits worn by contestants.

“My launch outfit was so revealing! I think I had the most daring dress!

“I have never dressed like that before! That was definitely a new thing for me to wear something so different.

“At first I thought, they must be having a laugh if they think I am wearing an outfit like that.

“I’ve never been a spray tans and sequins kind of girl.

“But once they got me in it, they couldn’t get me out of it!

“I loved it. I’ve discovered the sassy side to me!”

Anita admits joining Strictly was something her mother dreamt of.

“When my mum first came from India to the UK, she’d watch the original series of Strictly (Come Dancing) and would dream of dancing and wearing those gorgeous dresses and now I’m able to realise her dream.

“That makes me feel amazing.

“My mum devoted her whole life to me and my brother and it’s great to be able to do things to make her proud.”