We loved seeing Caroline Quentin on the Strictly Come Dancing launch show. Now, she has chatted to Yours to reveal she’s not very good at taking criticism and may give a certain judge a piece of her mind!

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing 2020

Actress and presenter Caroline Quentin is one excited woman. Her enthusiasm about taking part in this year’s Strictly is such that our Zoom video call with her is positively zinging.

“The sequins, the sparkles, the fun, the absolute joy of it all…” Caroline beams. “It’s a dream come true – especially at such a difficult time as now – and I feel so lucky to be able to do this. I’m just going to absorb it all and have an absolute ball.”

However, there is one aspect of the Strictly experience she’s not particularly looking forward to – taking criticism from the judges, most notably Craig Revel Horwood.

“I hate being criticised,” she admits. “I’m not going to like that at all – especially when I’ve worked really hard with my professional partner, done my absolute utmost and given it everything I’ve got.

"I’m not sure how I’ll react if I’m told, “Well that wasn’t very good, was it?” Will I want to run away? Will I cry or fightback? Most likely the latter. I can’t imagine that I won’t say something back.”

Watch Caroline in action in the first group number:

Caroline clearly intends to get as much out of the Strictly experience as possible.

“I’m putting myself in the hands of the experts and letting them do their thing – hair, make-up, costumes, the lot… she laughs.

“When it comes to my outfits, I’m not going to veto anything unless I’m worried about something falling out! That’s the only thing that would embarrass me.

"I’m really going to go for it. I had some dance training as a child but my knees are 50 years older than the last time I attempted any of it. I’m so excited to be learning proper dance skills from someone’s who’s at the top of their game. It’s like learning to paint under the tutelage of a brilliant artist.”

Caroline’s old friend and Men Behaving Badly co-star Martin Clunes has said that she’s in it to win it. So, is she?

“Oh, old Clunesey!’ she replies. “I’m going to give it my best shot but, listen, I just want to enjoy myself. Obviously, I want to do as well as I can but if it transpires that I exit early, well, that’ll be fine, too.”

We’re not entirely sure we believe her but in addition to ‘Clunesey’, ‘Quenty’, as Martin calls her, has other star supporters. Amanda Holden has announced that she’ll be rooting for her all the way – and then there’s Elizabeth Hurley!

“Before Strictly came along, I was away filming with Elizabeth (Hurley) – in a bubble, of course – and I discovered she’s a huge fan of the show,” Caroline reveals.

“She also gave me some advice. ‘Darling,’ she said. ‘What you mustn’t do is blow everything in one go. Try really hard but don’t give too much away at the beginning and keep your powder dry’. Elizabeth is fierce! If we’re allowed invited guests on set during the shows, I’d love her to be one of mine.”

It goes without saying that Caroline’s husband Sam and their children, Emily (20) and William (17) are also on her wish list of guests. She says the only downside of appearing on Strictly Come Dancing is being separated from her family for the duration of her time in the competition.

“I’m used to being away for work but I will miss them very much – although I’m hoping we’ll be able to take some socially distanced walks together at times. Sam and the kids are very excited for me. I knew Sam and Emily would be but I’m most surprised at how enthusiastic William is. All his friends are, too. It’s very sweet.”

At 60, Caroline is Strictly Come Dancing’s most senior competitor this year. Does she feel she’s flying the Strictly flag for women of her age?

“I’m certainly hoping to show people that you can learn a new skill and take on new challenges no matter what your age,” she replies. “One of the reasons I decided to do Strictly this year was because I wanted to highlight that it’s good to challenge and push yourself to do new things as you get older. It’s so beneficial – both mentally and physically. I know I’ll find the dancing tiring.

“My body feels it when I’ve only been for walk! But the sensation of your body and your brain working hard together is wonderful. I hope it encourages people of my age to start dancing – even if it’s bopping around to some favourite music in the living room on your own. Dancing really lifts the spirits and that’s more important than ever in these dark and difficult times.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Find out more about Caroline Quentin

Does Caroline have a husband?

Caroline has been married to her husband Sam Farmer since 2006 and he 11-years her junior.

He has served three years on the council of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists and is a member of both the Education Committee and the Schools Education Committee.

The pair met back in 1998 on the set of Men Behaving Badly where Sam was a runner. This was just a year after Caroline's divorce from writer, actor and comedian Paul Merton whom she was married to from 1990 - 1998.

Caroline and Sam have two children, Emily Rose and William.

Where does Caroline live?

Caroline and her family currently live in a derelict farm in Devon.

How old is Caroline?

Caroline was born July 11, 1960 making her 60.

What TV shows has Caroline been in?

Caroline is most famous for appearing in Men Behaving Badly, Jonathan Creek and Blue Murder. She has also appeared in Doc Martin, The World's Most Extraordinary Homes, Life of Riley and Life Begins.

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