'Strictly Come Dancing' Audley Harrison: 'Partner was a curveball'

Strictly Come Dancing star Audley Harrison has admitted that he did not expect to be paired with Natalie Lowe.

The boxer suggested that Lowe had suspected that they would be dancing together but explained that he had no clue.

"They threw me a curveball," he said. "I think she knew, but I didn't know. I always danced with somebody else [before the launch] - I didn't dance with Natalie. Everyone was telling me how great she was."

Lowe added: "We didn't dance at all in rehearsals. They kept us apart. Normally they put you with someone you might dance with for a little bit."



Harrison also said that he believes his sporting background might help him with the discipline needed in training.

"Yeah, that's going to be helpful," he said. "But then you're learning something totally new in a new environment. But I'm definitely going to be a winning student. I will be a winning student."

Lowe, who revealed that she has told Harrison he will not have to wear "pink Lycra", hinted that she may not push him as hard as some of her previous partners.

"I'm kind of known for [pushing people hard]," she admitted. "I don't mean to, it just sort of happens! We're going to have fun, though. I think if you can have that balance of hard work and fun and just embrace the experience, it's hopefully a winning combination."

However, Harrison admitted that he is not yet thinking about reaching the end of the competition.

"I feel like thinking about the Glitterball Trophy for me is like drawing my pension," he quipped. "It's so far away. I've got to get past the first hurdle, the second hurdle... I think I'm going to under-promise and over-deliver."

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