The footballer revealed that wife of 20 years Poppy has been in close contact with his partner Katya Jones to tell her how to handle him.He said Poppy wasn't worried about the "curse" - when relationships end because of closeness on the show - and joked "she's trying to get rid of me, that's why she pushed me into doing it".Tony said he was pleased to be on the dance floor at all after a heart scare seven years ago.
He needed surgery after doctors found a blocked vein and he said he hoped that dancing would improve his physical and mental health.But he said the main reason for his being on the dance floor was to raise awareness for mental health - an issue dear to his heart.Tony made his debut live appearance on BBC last night dancing to the tune Go West by Village People, an Arsenal anthem.Tony, 55, who is the oldest man in this year's series, has been sober for 26 years and says his professional partner will not let him back out of the 50 rigorous training hours a week.Of his wife's reaction to him signing up for Strictly, Tony said: "I think she's trying to get rid of me, that's why she's pushed me into doing the show. "I've had enough of you!
It's been 20 years, please, please off you go!""He added: "She's not the slightest bit worried. Luckily, when I met Poppy 20 years ago, we had a spiritual connection - we don't live in the physical world or we'd be struggling."Russian dance champion partner Katya, 33, revealed: "Me and Poppy have good chats, to make him work harder!
Read more on express.co.uk