Judi Love says people ‘don’t understand the dedication’ that goes into being on Strictly Come Dancing-Rachael O'Connor and Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro

Judi Love has given her opinion on this year’s ‘amazing’ Strictly Come Dancing lineup and says people don’t see half of what it takes to be part of it.

The Loose Women icon starred in the glitzy dancing competition last year, showcasing some fantastic dancing skills but ultimately becoming the fifth celebrity to be eliminated from the 2021 series.

Now the 2022 competition is in full swing, with Jayde Adams the latest to be eliminated on Sunday night but plenty more still in the game.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk on the red carpet of the 2022 Ethnicity Awards in partnership with Metro, Judi was asked about this year’s contest, describing it as ‘amazing.’

‘I appreciate it more now that I did it last year,’ she admitted.

‘It’s an amazing show, and you watch people’s skills grow week by week.

‘I don’t think people understand how much dedication is put into being in that show – in front of the camera and behind the camera as well.’

Judi took part in Strictly last year and says people don’t understand the ‘dedication’ that goes into it both on and off screen (Picture: PA)

Judi had plenty of praise for those taking part in this year’s show, including fan favourites Ellie and Nikita, who appeared on Thursday’s Loose Women.

‘They’re fantastic,’ she said. ‘And Hamza, I absolutely love him.

‘There’s so many of them that are amazing, obviously my girl Kaye was in there and she did phenomenal.’

Judi’s fellow Loose Women presenter Kaye put up a impressive fight on this year’s show, but she and professional partner Kai Widdrington found themselves in the first dreaded dance-off against singer Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychkova, with the latter coming out successful.

Judi praised Kaye for her ‘phenomenal’ time on Strictly (Picture: PA)

Strictly is far from the only thing the Loose Women panelist are trying their hand at, with Charlene White confirmed on Thursday to be joining this year’s I’mm A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!

The ITV icon was spotted touching down in Brisbane this week, much to the shock of Alison Hammond, who told Metro.co.uk at the Ethnicity Awards: ‘I didn’t know she was going in!’

She was confident however that Charlene would be ‘amazing,’ and audiences were in for an ‘absolute treat’ having her in the jungle.

Fellow Loose Women icon Charlene is heading Down Under (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Judi agreed, calling Charlene ‘so powerful,’ and gave her own words of advice.

‘She’s got to go in there, put her head down and know the reasons why she’s in there. Take the time for herself, and just be that amazing person that we see and know.

‘I just want her to know that we’re all out here rooting for her,’ she added.

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The Ethnicity Awards, Britain’s biggest Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority red carpet extravaganza is taking place tonight, Thursday October 27, with some of the biggest names in showbusiness taking part and Judi herself hosting.

Both celebrities and organisations with a track record of promoting rights will be honoured at the event, with nominee including Sir Mo Farah, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Stormzy and Alison.

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