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Strictly’s secrets for shimmering sexiness

30 SEPTEMBER 2009

They may be coming in for criticism for their skimpy costumes, but having recently met up with one of the Strictly stalwarts, professional dancer Lilia Kopylova, it’s no wonder the show's stars have no qualms baring almost all if their skin looks as good as the Russian’s.

And Lilia shared with us the secret of her shimmering skin that catches the light as she shimmies across the dancefloor.

Every week, the celebrities and their dance partners are sprayed with Sienna self-tan. But it’s the ‘top coat’ Lilia uses that makes the difference.

She slathers her body with an iridescent cream from The Body Shop that catches the light to make skin sparkle beautifully in the light.

The cream is only available over the Christmas period so Lilia has to stock up.

But this year, the shop will be selling three different varieties: Frosted Shimmer Lotion in Black Velvet Apricot or Merry Cranberry, £7.80 each - light moisturising lotions that leave a subtle shimmer on skin, with Community Trade shea butter and sesame oil.

Or Nutmeg & Vanilla Hi Shimmer Body Glaze, £7.80, a moisturising gel with golden shimmer, containing nutmeg extract as well as Community Trade honey from organic sources in Africa and aloe vera from Guatemala.

Lilia was ousted from the competition at the weekend, with jockey partner Richard Dunwoody.

But she’ll continue to shimmer throughout the show in the group dances.

Unfortunately, she’s not allowed to keep any of those spectacular – and revealing – outfits from the show as they’re sold off to other countries with their own version of the show or to professional dancers who are still competing.

"Of course there are some you like more than others or which hold sentimental value, but it’s all part of the job – and I’ve had so many fabulous dresses in my life, it would be impossible to keep them all," Lilia told us.

If only we could say the same!

Strictly Come Dancing is on this Saturday on BBC1 at 7pm.