Denise - my blistered feet are Strictly agony

DENISE Van Outen says her feet have become so painful during Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals she has to practise barefoot.

The star -- who is paired on the hit show with professional James Jordan -- said she is so sore she has been unable to even get her shoes on.

Van Outen also said she had been upset by suggestions that she had an advantage over her show rivals with her background on the stage in productions such as Chicago.

"This competition is not musical theatre, it is ballroom, and this is a world that I am in no way familiar with," she said.

Writing in her blog, she said: "I feel that I'm at a slight disadvantage this week as my feet are so badly blistered due to dancing in heels, that I can't even get my shoes on and I'm having to practise barefoot until they heal. Even so, I wouldn't change a thing as I'm loving every minute of it."

Van Outen faces 13 other celebrities, including former Westlife star Nicky Byrne, in the BBC1 dance series and is preparing for the first live show which takes place on October 6.

hnews@herald.ie