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Former Strictly star Kate Silverton reveals what the stars were really thinking during first show 

Imagine how nerve-wracking it would be to go last!

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Emmy Griffiths
TV & Film Editor
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Former Strictly Come Dancing star Kate Silverton is the perfect person to reveal exactly how the 2021 group of contestants were feeling during Saturday’s nerve-wracking show, having competed in it herself in 2018.

MORE: Dan Walker breaks silence on Strictly positive COVID tests - and reveals daughter's reaction to first dance

Joining us for our very first Strictly Insider, the TV personality chatted first show jitters, and how she goes through the same emotions as the contestants, even now! 

Strictly 2021: Season 19 - inside info on week 1 from a Strictly contestant

WATCH: Kate Silverton joins Strictly Insider to talk the nerve-wracking first episode 

Chatting to HELLO! about her own first show, Kate explained: “I never knew feet could sweat with nerves! I was sliding in my feet thinking, ‘This is bizarre, what is happening, this has never happened before!’ 

“It is a complete overwhelm on the senses… In rehearsals it’s amazing, you get these endorphin highs, and you’re training like an athlete and it’s just fun - and then it gets to Friday and Saturday and if you’re not used to performing, it’s hideous! It’s hideous and beautiful in equal measure.” 

kate dancing

Kate performed with Aljaž Škorjanec in 2018

The star also opened up about knowing exactly how the contestants must have been feeling on Saturday night, joking that she can “feel the relief” after they pull off their dance routines.

READ: Strictly star Katya Jones suffers surprising injury after debut with Adam Peaty

MORE: Strictly's Amy Dowden breaks silence after positive COVID test

“I remember us standing in the stairs, and digging my nails into my partner’s hand, so I do think what it must be like for them before going on,” Kate explained. “It makes it all the more impressive when you see people who haven’t performed before. You know what it’s like when you haven’t had any formal training - and you feel the relief when they finish the dance!”

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