Under the Strictly Glitterball with Jamie Laing: 'Why don’t people vote for confident young women?'

So, whoever invented the Tango can seriously get outta here. That’s our routine this week - a dance associated with raw passion and, now, my sore feet. You have to angle the feet in different directions, keep your frame, bend your knees but keep upright. Easy, right? I’ve also got what is known as a “bubble bum” - basically one that sticks out, so keeping that tucked in is a full-time job on its own. This is a tricky dance for sure.

I’ve started to liken dancing to skiing, which is much harder to learn than snowboarding, for example, but easier to master. And vice versa. This is how I feel about Latin and ballroom. Latin is harder to learn because there are more steps, but easier to make them look good. Whereas ballroom steps are easier to learn, but, by jove, are they hard to master… and trust me, there’s nowhere to hide.

I can’t even distract the judges with my Tango face (and we’re not talking about my overuse of fake tan here!). I can’t keep a straight face - I just keep laughing. To stop it, I even asked Karen if I could hold a rose between my teeth for the whole routine, but no.

I have to be completely different to my usual upbeat and bouncy self. Mysterious, deep, moody and… alpha. We’re performing to Tanguera by Argentine Tango ensemble Sexteto Mayor, too, and it definitely brings the drama. I think I’m just going to channel the look of a constipated serial killer. I believe that’s what they’re after.

Last week’s Street Dance was just amazing. We got our first 10s and topped the leaderboard. We were so thrilled with how it went. When I watch it back, it just makes me smile. Even though I knew it was a good dance, I was even more nervous as I didn’t want to mess it up or let Karen down.

It was great to see everyone in the studio, including Shirley, up on their feet and grooving along. There’s no audience this year, of course, but our 2020 gang scream and cheer and more than make up for it. I usually make an eye for my buddies Gorka or Giovanni while I’m dancing to give myself a boost. Although I think Karen’s abs stole the show, didn’t they? They are in-credible. But I look down at my own stomach and see exactly the same, so I’m not worried about the fanfare.

When I started Strictly I thought I was ok at dancing, but quickly realised that I wasn’t. But what I’ve found is that my focus and confidence has grown and I’ve taken well to the coaching. There’s a real sense of achievement and it’s one of the most gratifying things I’ve ever done. And we definitely all put the work in and are improving each week.

That’s why it’s hard to see what’s happening to Maisie. She’s an incredibly good dancer, but she’s been in the bottom two twice now. I don’t know why, but people seem not to vote for confident young women. And let’s just remember that she is 19 years old.

When I was 19, I was lying on a beach in Ibiza in a pink boiler suit. I had zero commitment or responsibilities. And she goes out there with the pressure and insecurities that we all do, at whatever age we are, and she performs brilliantly. She deserves a break. I know what it’s like to be in that dance-off, and it’s not nice. If I ever find myself there again then I’m tempted to pop my Hercules wig on and channel that certain inner hero. But we topped the leaderboard last week and we can do it again. Olé!