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Debbie McGee denies ballet past gave her Strictly advantage as she reveals real reason she’s so supple

Her splits were impressive!

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She may not have won the glitterball trophy but Debbie McGee definitely won the prize of the most supple Strictly contestant.

Viewers were astounded by the way she could effortlessly drop into the splits, do high legs kicks and wrap herself elegantly around partner Giovanni Pernice in complex lifts.

What’s even more impressive about her flexibility is the fact she’ll be turning 60 next year.

Many speculated that Debbie’s perfect pins and bendy joints was down to her past as a ballerina.

But the magician’s assistant has now revealed her trick – and it’s not magic but something we can all try.

She told The Mirror: “I don’t think my ballet training has helped me on Strictly, it’s my yoga.”

“I’ve always been fit and do an 8am Ashtanga yoga or Pilates class at my local gym three or four times a week. It keeps you supple and strong and maintains your core.”

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Debbie added that’s not the only exercise she does.

“I walk or cycle for 15 minutes every morning. And I have an indoor exercise bike if the weather’s bad,” she said.

The 59-year-old widow of Paul Daniels said she also eats healthily to stay in good shape, with her favourite breakfast mashed avocado on toast with poached eggs.

She’s also a fan of taking supplements to top up her vitamin intake, including the unusual choice of one containing silver.

“I love my food and health supplements. I always have tablets in my handbag and stick one into my water bottle if I need a bit of energy – it peps me up,” she revealed.

“I have a spoonful of Active Silver every morning, which builds up your immune system.”

However, it wasn’t enough to stop her getting ill recently as she was struck down by a bug thanks to the gruelling training for the Strictly final.

She managed to recover in time for the Saturday night show, wowing the judges with her salsa, Paso Doble and show dance where she went back to her ballerina roots.

It wasn’t enough for her to win though, with Joe McFadden gaining the most votes.

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Debbie has now revealed she intends to “keep dancing” by joining the Strictly live tour in 2018, while she’ll also star in panto over Christmas.

She’s also said she’d love to do a yoga DVD so we can all learn how to be as flexible as she is!


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor