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Three months ago Matt Baker was just that nice young man wearing a sensible sweater and yomping across a field in Countryfile.
Now he’s making female hearts across the nation flutter as he glides across the dancefloor in skintight trousers and sparkly shirts open to the navel.
But with less than 48 hours to go before the Strictly Come Dancing final, bookies’ favourite Matt fears a back injury to his partner Aliona Vilani could derail their chances.
This week during a filmed training session, Aliona fell and landed heavily on a microphone backpack – leaving her in agony.
“I’m really hoping it is sorted out by Saturday,” Aliona grimaces, “but at the moment I don’t know.
“I’m on seriously strong painkillers to try and drag myself through, but it’s not comfortable.”
As well as Aliona’s back injury, both she and Countryfile host Matt are relying on armloads of tissues to cope with colds, so they know winning won’t be easy.
The farmer’s son and former gymnast, who claims he was never much of a dancer before the show, took time out from his gruelling training regime to speak exclusively to the Daily Mirror.
“I’ve surprised myself to be honest, I don’t know how we’ve managed it,” says Matt.
“My workload has been incredibly hectic with Strictly, Countryfile and The One Show, so I’ve had to fill every free hour with rehearsal and practice.
“Poor Aliona has spent the last three months following me around, and our rehearsals have taken place in some seriously strange places – from the pumpkin fields in Essex, to the Outer Hebrides, to an airport departure lounge.
“we actually got stranded in the Hebrides by bad weather while I was filming Countryfile – that was nearly a disaster.”
His dancer’s body and style on the dancefloor have won him an army of female admirers, but the 32-year-old laughs off claims he’s become a sex symbol – although Aliona knows better.
Relaxing after a rehearsal in Hemel Hempstead, Kazakhstan-born Aliona, 26, says: “I told him I was going to turn him into a sex symbol. He laughed but I was serious, and from the reactions he’s been getting, it looks like I’ve done a good job.”
Matt still has his doubts, but admits: “I suppose it’s not the worst label in the world is it? Although I’m not so sure myself.” Despite the pair’s obvious chemistry, Matt’s biggest fan is his wife, Nicola.Laughing off the notorious Curse of Strictly which has seen several couples split up as a result of the show, Matt says: “Nicola has been my biggest support throughout. She was right behind me taking part in the show, and loves watching.
“It’s been as much strain on her as it has on me, because while I’m rehearsing she’s had to look after our two children, Luke and Molly.
“They’re three and one so they’re a bit of a handful, but it’s been great bringing them to rehearsals occasionally. They’ve loved dancing with Aliona.
“I’ve been trying to practice my new moves with Nicola at home, but she doesn’t trust me to spin her around my head yet.
“When the series finishes I’m hoping she might learn some of the steps so that I can keep dancing – because I’m not going to want to stop. I’m going to need someone who can spin around me at 100mph.”
And he’s also determined not to lose his newly-toned physique.
“I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, thanks to all the rehearsals, so I’m going to make sure I don’t slob out too much over Christmas,” he says.
Despite a bit of blokey banter, Matt reckons his friends are secretly jealous of his new skills.
He says: “Admittedly there were a few jokes about the outfits, but actually my friends have loved it – I think they like my moves.
“I’ve tried to really go at it 100%. If you hold back you can end up looking a bit stupid, so you’ve got to really fire into everything.
“I hope Strictly’s shown me in a different light – after all there aren’t that aren’t many opportunities to wear glittery shirts and tight trousers on Countryfile.”
Somehow between all the rehearsing and traipsing up and down the country, Matt’s managed to fit in a stint filling in as host on BBC1’s flagship, The One Show.
And the Durham-born lad reveals he’d love to get the job full-time. “I love doing The One Show, it’s been a great opportunity,” he says.
“It all happened so quickly – while I’ve been in the middle of Strictly – but who knows exactly how it will work out. It’s certainly great to be part of. Whatever happens.”
Countryfile fans will be relieved to hear: I’ve got no intention of leaving Countryfile. I just love being a part of it.”
Matt makes no secret of his desire to win Saturday’s grand final, and the former Blue Peter host knows that only four dance routines stand between him and the prize.
But, living up to his image as Mr Nice Guy, he claims he’ll feel guilty winning at the expense of rivals Kara Tointon, 27, and Pamela Stephenson, 61.
“I hope I’m like Pamela when I’m in my 60s,” he laughs. “I’ve got enormous respect for her.
“Kara and I have become very friendly and I’m pleased we’re in the final together. But knowing how much hard work the others have put in does make it difficult to want to beat them.
“There’s huge camaraderie backstage, especially as the numbers get less and less, and it’s brilliant to feel part of that.
“But Aliona and I won’t be holding back this week. We’re giving it everything we’ve got.”
The couple have a powerful endorsement in the shape of former rival Ann Widdecombe. The politician turned Strictly figure of fun urged viewers to vote for them when she left the show.
“Ann was great to have around,” Aliona says. “She was like a nice sweet grandma.”
And Matt adds: “We used to love going over to the balcony and having a peek at what she was doing each week.
“At the beginning she wouldn’t even let anyone touch her hair, but by the end she was loving the make-up and feminine dresses – she even wore feathers one week.
“Seeing her open up like that was really lovely, even though she got a hard time from the judges.”
Strictly’s toughest critic Craig Revel Horwood hasn’t spoiled the experience for Matt.
“The judges have been really great with us – even Craig,” Matt smiles. “I’m not at all scared of him any more, and his technical criticism can be very helpful.
“But when they do want to be negative you just have to stand there and take whatever is thrown at you.”
Not that he should expect too much criticism on Saturday…
