Strictly Come Dancing's Dame Sarah Storey expects "brutal feedback" - and not from the judges

Strictly Come Dancing star Dame Sarah Storey has admitted she is expecting some "brutal feedback", though not from the show's judges. While the panel is known for dishing out some honest criticism, the Paralympic gold medallist admitted there may be more harshness closer to home.

Speaking ahead of the new season's launch next week, Storey was asked whether there was anyone in particular she is doing the show for.

"Not specifically but as my daughter is a very talented dancer and ballerina I know I’ll be getting the most honest and brutal feedback!" she admitted.

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Opening up further about her family's reaction to her signing-up for Strictly, the star recalled: "When the announcement happened I was working backstage at the English Youth Ballet’s production of Swan Lake, which my daughter was performing in.

"I got a knock on the door of the dressing room I was looking after and when I opened it the company and crew were jumping up and down with excitement! My daughter said 'Finally!' and my son said 'That’s a good plan!', while my dad offered to teach me to dance – which is hilarious as no one has ever seen him even do a dad dance!

"My husband knew all along, so he was in on the secret," she added. "I’ve had so many messages of good luck too, it’s been a fabulous reaction."

Storey previously described signing on for the show as "hugely exciting", sharing in a statement at the time of her announcement: "I have always loved watching Strictly and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world, is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!"

Strictly is due to return on 19 September with its launch show, which will include new host Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, who take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Speaking about their dynamic, Emma recently said on The Rest in Entertainment podcast: "There's no like for like, so no one's kind of replacing anybody and at the minute it's all very kind of open.

"We're having lots of production days where we go in and we play around and we're kind of feeling each other out - well, they're feeling us out really."

Strictly Come Dancing returns for its launch show on 19 September on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.

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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.