IT all looked so easy on TV.

As a self-confessed Strictly fan, I have become the archetypal armchair critic every Saturday night, shouting criticisms at Scott Mills or Judy Murray from the comfort of my living room.

So when the opportunity came up to learn to dance and raise vital funds for Bolton Hospice at the same time, it seemed only right I should give my feet a chance to do the talking.

My only ballroom dancing experience so far was many years ago, when my younger sister and I would attempt to tango, rose in teeth, by charging hand-in-hand down the hallway of our family home after one too many Haribo.

Since then my dancing skills have been solely reserved for late night visits to sticky floored establishments where — bolstered by a shandy or three — I would pay homage to the dancing queens of our generation, namely Beyonce and Miley Cyrus.

Stepping out onto the floor for Bolton Hospice is an exciting if terrifying prospect.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress, and if you’re able to support me and the hospice, please donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/strictlyelaineoflynn