Strictly's Jamie Borthwick opens up on ‘toll’ show is taking on his body - and the training habit partner Michelle pulls him up on

ok.co.uk:

After almost two decades in EastEnders, Jamie Borthwick knows Walford like the back of his hand.The same can’t quite be said for the Strictly dancefloor, as he took on a new challenge by joining this year’s series - though so far, he is certainly rising to the occasion. “It’s going really well.

It’s hard work, but it’s good,” says Jamie, 30, of his experience on the glitzy BBC competition, as he stops for an exclusive chat with at the Pride Of Britain Awards.

With his dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas by his side, it’s clear that Jamie - who plays Jay Brown on Albert Square - has formed a close bond with the professional, as they giggle together during our chat. “Yeah, he’s doing really well.

He’s a good learner, my partner. Sometimes I need to get him off of his bum, but he’s good!” laughs Michelle. “Oh! Normally, she says, ‘Oh, he’s amazing’ but today I’m just good - this is what it’s really like, it’s all coming out!” Jamie replies in faux shock, as his partner adds mischievously, ‘Sometimes he wants to take a nap, when he shouldn’t!” Jamie and Michelle banter each other playfully about life in the training room, Jamie even getting in a few cheeky jibes about Michelle’s teaching techniques, “She doesn’t let me ask any questions!” he declares.