Ex-champ Calzaghe out but not down after his Strictly dismissal

Published on Tuesday 20 October 2009 22:07

FORMER boxing champion Joe Calzaghe said he would miss the "make-up, spangles and spray tan" of Strictly Come Dancing after becoming the latest contestant to leave the show.

The boxer and professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff lost out at the weekend to actress Zoe Lucker and partner James Jordan in a dance off, after the couples came bottom of the public vote.

Speaking as he opened an accommodation suite for parents of youngsters being treated at the Children's Hospital for Wales in Cardiff, backed by the charity Latch, of which he is patron, he said:

"It was a blessing in disguise to be honest, I knew I was going to lose when I saw I was up against Zoe. I really enjoyed it but the next time I dance will probably be on the dance floor after a couple of beers.

"I'm probably going to miss all the make-up, spangles and spray tan. It was one of the most nerve-racking things I've ever done and I'm a bit disappointed. I did my best dance so I was a bit surprised to go out."

He tipped The Bill actress Ali Bastian and Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle as potential winners, saying he hoped Bastian would take the honours.

Calzaghe arrived in Cardiff without dance partner Rihanoff, despite them being frequently photographed together outside of rehearsal time amid rumours of romance.

He said: "She was going to come down, she sends her apologies. She can come down another time."

He also defended judge Alesha Dixon, who has been the subject of criticism after she replaced experienced judge Arlene Phillips.

He said: "Alesha's cool, she was nice to me. I never watched the show before so I never saw how good Arlene was. I wish I had watched it now so I would have known what to expect."

After he cut the red ribbon to open the accommodation centre, Calzaghe met 23-year-old cancer patient Adam Evans from St Clears, Carmarthenshire, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in May.

Mr Evans told the boxer he was his hero and asked him to sign a copy of his autobiography.