BBC Weather host Carol Kirkwood is very nervous about baring the flesh on Strictly – particularly her legs.

“It’s the skimpy outfits that concern me most,” she explained, “Because I don’t have the best figure in the world, and I’m really self-conscious about my legs, so having to get them out…”

Carol’s first Strictly outfit is a long, dark blue dress with plenty of volume – but she may soon be asked to dance in a tighter, more revealing number.

Carol Kirkwood
Carol Kirkwood (Ray Burmiston/BBC)

“The ballroom outfits are gorgeous,” she said. “They’re just elegant, and flow-y, and beautiful. But I have’t tried any of the Latin yet.”

Reflecting on her preparation for the competition, Carol admitted: “I am unfit, I am 53, I am wishing I’d dieted and exercised from January until now. But I didn’t, and I am an idiot.”

Luckily, a former Strictly contestant has asked her out to lunch to share some advice. Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid, who was runner-up in 2013, texted her to arrange the meet-up.

Susanna impressed with her moves on the Strictly dance floor
Susanna impressed with her moves on the Strictly dance floor (Rui Vieira/PA )

Strictly Come Dancing will air on BBC One on Saturday at 7.15pm.