‘I’d love to help the dancers more’ says Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell

Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell says she finds it frustrating to be stuck behind the judges’ desk, and she would prefer to be more “hands-on” as a judge.

The former ballerina also says in an interview with Hello! magazine that she has still to sign for a further series, but is keen to do so. In a photoshoot for the magazine, she is transformed from a dancing queen to a snow queen ahead of Saturday’s final.

Bussell, 43, said she had been enjoying a “fabulous” time on the BBC1 hit show, but she wishes she could do more to help the dancers.

“There is so much I can say from my own experience,” she said. “But it’s being able to get it out quick and sharp. I would do it in a much friendlier, hands-on sort of way, so it’s very odd sitting behind a desk.”

The mother of two uprooted her family from Australia, where she had settled after her dancing career ended, to join the TV show. And she said she had to think about every detail before agreeing to sign up.

“It’s very daunting,” she tells the magazine. “I’ve been on stage and done lots of live shows, but I’ve never had to open my mouth.”

She said she was hoping to see snow this year to take her children’s minds off what they were missing down under.

“Hopefully it’ll snow and the kids won’t miss the barbecue on the beach. I never imagined I’d be a presenter on television, but I’m happy to put myself out of my comfort zone. I’m really very happy,” she added.