BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood reflects on 'exhausting' project 'couldn't do it'

Back in 2015, BBC Breakfast fans were delighted to witness Carol Kirkwood join the cast for Strictly Come Dancing. The 63-year-old partnered with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, with the pair departing the contest in week seven.

Now, a decade following her stint on Strictly, the BBC presenter has reflected on her time on the dance floor during a chat with Gary Davies on Radio Two.

When questioned if she maintains contact with the other celebrities who participated the same year she competed, Carol disclosed she does, particularly with Jeremy Vine.

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She added: "I remember Jeremy and I were standing in what was called Claudia's Tower looking down, and Helen George, who was also in that year, was doing the most beautiful, elegant Waltz.

"I turned to him and said, 'Jeremy, we might as well just enjoy the short time we're going to have on this show,' and we did!"

Nevertheless, the BBC presenter admitted it was challenging balancing dancing on Strictly whilst continuing weather forecasts for Breakfast each morning, reports the Express.

She continued: "When you look back on it, you think, 'I can't believe I did that'. It was joyous, it was really hard work because I was working Monday to Friday, doing Breakfast at the time.

"So I was exhausted doing it, but Pasha Kovalev, my partner, is a gent as well and a really, really nice man."

Carol disclosed that during rehearsals, she'd confuse her left and right legs with Pasha, making light of the circumstances.

The 63-year-old shared: "He'd make me laugh, sometimes I'd say, 'Pasha, I can't do this, I haven't got this' and he'd say, 'Oh don't worry, you'll get it tomorrow'. Just chilled!"

When questioned about her dancing prowess, Carol quickly dismissed the notion, jesting that she was akin to a 'cart horse'.

At present, Strictly enthusiasts are on tenterhooks, keen to discover which celebs will be gracing the dance floor this year.

Whilst the official lineup is still under wraps, speculation is rife online, with Dani Dyer, Stacey Solomon, Ashley Cain, and Paul Brunson being touted as potential contestants.

However, fans will need to exercise a bit more patience for the official line-up, anticipated to be unveiled in the upcoming weeks.

Strictly Come Dancing is set to return this Autumn on BBC One, with BBC Breakfast available for viewing on BBC iPlayer.