SHE has competed all over the world, but gymnast and Strictly sensation Claudia Fragapane says her heart belongs to Glasgow.

The 19-year-old, who won four gold medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, plus a historic team bronze at the 2015 World Championships and an individual bronze at this summer’s World Cup at the Emirates, explained: “I always seem to do really well in Glasgow. I think it’s the lovely crowd – they really help.

“You get such a warm welcome wherever you go - Glasgow will always have a special place in my heart.”

Claudia, who is from Bristol, has her eyes on another prize – the Strictly glitterball trophy.

Tomorrow night she will compete in the semi-final, vying with sports presenter Ore Oduba, actor Danny Mac and singer Louise Redknapp for a place in the grand final.

The teenager, whose partner on the hit BBC One show is newcomer AJ Pritchard, is determined not to fall at the final hurdle, having already survived one dance-off against fellow Olympic athlete, Greg Rutherford.

“I would love to get to the final,” she admitted.

“I’d love to win. But whatever happens, it’s been an amazing experience for me, being part of Strictly. I’m way out of my comfort zone but I’m loving it.”

She got her first perfect 10 at the weekend.

“That was brilliant, because we had so much fun doing the dance,” she said.

“I don’t feel upset that I haven’t had one until now - the judges are the experts and if they are not giving me tens, then I must be doing something wrong.

“This week is even harder as we have two dances to learn. But I can’t wait for Saturday night.

“I’m just going to do my best.”

Claudia is the middle of five girls, and she says her four sisters – Lorenza, Lilana, Alessia and Chiara – have been cheering her on throughout the series.

She laughed: “We used to dance around in front of the mirror, dressing up in fancy clothes and trying on make up – a bit like practising for Strictly, really.

“They are loving watching me do this and it’s hard being away from them – but I talk to them every day.

“My whole family has been so supportive, I’m really grateful.”

Claudia added: “I started gymnastics because I was uncontrollable – I had too much energy.

“It’s a difficult sport, really hard and disciplined, but it’s amazing.”

Her achievements and attitude to her sport have turned her into an impressive role model for young girls.

She said: “I feel proud of that because if you work hard at something, you will make it.

“You’ve got to push yourself, be brave and grab every opportunity with both hands even if it seems scary at first.

“If you do your best you have already won.”