Strictly Come Dancing contestant Mike Bushell, 53, is set to perform with his dance partner Katya Jones, 30, in the first live show this weekend.
But, despite being excited to “represent parent/dad dancers” he admitted he is “dreading” walking out to the dance floor for the first time.
He told OK! Magazine: “I suppose I’m dreading that moment when we step out to the announcement and make our first walk down the steps and then perform that first live dance in front of the TV audience, that is going to be terrifying.
“Everyone whose been on it before said that it is terrifying but I’ve just got to learn the dance so well that nothing can go wrong.”
The BBC star went on to say training had been a “physical and mental challenge” which has left him “exhausted”.
“Towards the end of each day’s training I’m literally in a mental fog trying to remember all the moves with the music playing.
“Strictly and dancing has to be the most extreme thing ever,” he added.
Mike said he signed up for the show to represent parents who may feel “embarrassed” to dance.
He added: “I want to show them that they should do it, just get up there, through their inhibitions to the wind, and have the fun that you can get from dancing but also the exercise.”
Earlier this month, it was revealed Mike will be dancing with pro Katya.
Mike Bushell said his wife Emily is happy with the dance partner he’s been given.
Katya won the Glitterball trophy alongside Joe McFadden back in 2017.
Mike told the Daily Mirror: “Emily and I are chuffed to bits I have been paired with the incredible Katya Jones, the fabulously creative and one of the best choreographers on earth.
“Just look at the record. A proven winner and can’t wait.”
Last year, Katya hit the headlines when she was pictured kissing her dance partner Seann Walsh, 33.
At the time, she was still in a relationship with her now estranged Neil Jones, 37.
Seann was also in a five-year relationship with Rebecca Humphries at the time.
The duo later apologised for their actions on Twitter and on Strictly: It Takes Two.
Strictly Come Dancing live shows begin this Saturday on BBC One.
Read the full interview in OK! Magazine out now.