‘Strictly Come Dancing': Australian star Peter Andre talks about the pressures of rehearsals

Singer Peter Andre attends the National Television Awards at the O2 Arena in London January 26, 2011. Reuters/Luke MacGregor

Peter Andre is said to be the man to beat among the line-up of dancers in the new season of “Strictly Come Dancing.” However, the pressure to live up to people’s expectations may have already gotten its toll on the singer. Peter recently revealed how his body is reacting to the gruelling hours of rehearsals he had to endure.

Despite the fact that the show hasn’t started yet, Peter is already hard at work with his professional dance partner Janette Manrara. Writing for his column on New Magazine, the Australian singer revealed how Manrara is working him hard through 30 to 40 hours a week of dance rehearsals. The 42-year old also said Janette is such a strict teacher.

“My awesome dance partner Janette posted a photo of us in rehearsals and say she’s a proud teacher. But the funny thing is, she never lets on to me! She’s always telling me to straighten my neck and shoulders and that I have to remember that using my heel is a big no-no!” he said.

Meanwhile, Manrara also admitted that Peter is “struggling” with the dancing side. The father of three already knows how to perform on shows because he is a singer. However, Janette said he will have trouble getting rid of “a lot of habits” that he’s used to doing on the shows when he performs on “Strictly Come Dancing.”

A lot of viewers are vying for the 42-year old to win this new season of the BBC dance competition show. Even “Strictly Come Dancing” presenter Tess Daly is hopeful and only has nice words to say about Peter’s motivation to dance on the show.

According to Daily Star, Daly complimented Andre for his dedication and commitment. However, Daly said it’s still too early to tell who her favourite is among the dancers.

“He is very committed and works very hard. He is very diligent and wants to get it right. He practiced one day waking on his toes for an hour because he wanted to get the walk right. He is meticulous,” she said.

The first “Strictly Come Dancing” live show will air this Friday on BBC 1 and will continue on Saturday.

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