Debbie McGee, 60, was a popular contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2017 with Giovanni Pernice, 28, but the former magician’s assistant was slammed by fans for getting through to the final due to her ballet experience.
The widow of Paul Daniels graduated from the Royal Ballet School and worked as a dancer in the early stages in her career.
This year on the series, former Pussycat Dolls band member Ashley Roberts and Steps singer Faye Tozer have also faced backlash for being on the show despite being trained in different dance styles.
But Debbie has defended this year’s contestants and herself after fans commented on Twitter about it being unfair.
Talking about celebrities having dance experience on Strictly Come Dancing, Debbie said on the Telegraph’s Talking Strictly podcast: “It’s part of the programme, perhaps makes it more interesting.”
She continued: “The only advantage that someone who danced before has is that they probably understand the music, you can’t dance if you’re not musical.
“And you point your legs and feet naturally where someone like Lauren [Steadman] wouldn’t be able to point their feet as nicely as Ashley or Faye and you learn how to accept choreography.
“But it doesn’t mean your brain works faster than someone like Lauren who has been someone who has competed and has learned sports.”
Debbie said she believes it all becomes even in the end and slammed those who said it’s “unfair”.
“So I think it all evens out in the end,” she said. “It’s unfair to say well they’ve had dance training because it doesn’t give you that much of an advantage.”
Speaking about her own time on the show, she divulged: “And like for me, I hadn’t danced in such a long time. I didn’t have the muscles left, I just built muscles through the series.”
Debbie said those trained in dance skills actually have a “disadvantage” as they have to forget about techniques they have previously learned.
“You have disadvantages having danced before because you have to unframe things in you brain to pick up all the technique of ballroom and latin,” she said.
Meanwhile, this year’s contestants are working hard in rehearsals as they get ready to perform three dances on the final on Saturday.
Stacey Dooley and her professional dance partner Kevin Clifton are the current favourites to clinch the Glitterball trophy.
Joe Sugg, who is partnered up with Dianne Buswell, are following the pair close behind.
“There is just days to go now until the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2018 is crowned but in our eyes Stacey has one hand on the trophy already,” said Bookmaker Coral’s spokesperson Harry Aitkenhead.
“The public have been on her side throughout the series and she’s backed hat up with some splendid displays on the dance floor which leaves her as the odds on favourite to win come next Sunday.”
He added: “Ashley just hasn’t been able to convince the public to vote for her and despite her high scores looks destined to be first to leave the final four.”
Strictly Come Dancing 2018 finals airs Saturday on BBC One at 6.30pm.