EXCLUSIVE

By ANN FOTHERINGHAM

HE has been the competition’s ‘dark horse’ – is Glasgow actor Joe McFadden about to foxTROT his way into the Strictly final?

The Holby City star, who is from Govanhill, will dance a cheerful American Smooth foxtrot and a moody Argentine Tango with his professional partner Katya Jones on tonight’s show.

And he admits he is feeling “pretty chilled” about the prospect.

“You have to remember this is an entertainment show, it’s really not life or death,” grins the 42-year-old. “You rehearse like mad, go out and do your best and if it’s your time to go, it’s your time to go.”

He adds, quickly: “Although it really would be a shame to go now and miss out on the final!”

Interest in the remaining celebrities – Joe, Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee, Mollie King and Gemma Atkinson – has reached stratospheric levels, with rumours of diva behaviour, marriage breakdowns and more whizzing around as the final approaches.

“Everyone loves Strictly, so it’s no surprise people want to talk about it – it’s just a shame there is so much written that isn’t true,” he says.

Joe, who recently popped home to Glasgow to turn on the Christmas lights in George Square and give Katya a whistlestop tour of his old school, Holyrood Secondary, says he is very grateful to everyone who has voted to keep the couple in the contest.

“We are so, so grateful – to never have been in the bottom two Nor faced the dance off has been amazing,” he smiles.

“It was lovely being back in Glasgow –I even got a personal tour of the City Chambers from the Lord Provost Eva Bolander, which was very special.”

He laughs: “It was great to go back to my old school and see the kids who have been watching the show and supporting us. That’s who it’s all for, after all. I’ve had such a great time doing Strictly – whatever happens tonight, I’m glad I did it.”

Still no sign of the kilt, though?

“Ah – kiltography is trickier than you might think,” he twinkles. “Just wait and see…..”