AFTER slating Strictly Come Dancing and X Factor a few weeks back in this column, I have predictably been watching them both.

My male colleagues mock me for this, especially Strictly, speculating that I sit at home with a glass of white wine clapping along to the theme tune.

They are not far from the truth – I’m just not sure if I started clapping before or after they first made this joke.

Meanwhile, our own dancing queen Elaine O’Flynnn is taking part in Bolton Hospice’s Strictly Learn to Dance.

She hasn’t told us which dance she has been given – but I gather, given her roots, she is hoping for some sort of Irish jig, to be sure, to be sure.

You can sponsor her by visiting www.justgiving.com/strictlyelaineoflynn