Strictly Come Dancing contestant Kimberley Walsh has revealed that she has a “secret weapon” in her SCD armoury in the form of her Girls Aloud band mate Cheryl Cole, who has apparently been giving Kimberley ballroom dancing lessons!

Former X Factor judge Cheryl – who seemingly has no end to her talents – learned ballroom dancing when she was a child, and she was reportedly more than happy to help Kimberley get some training in ahead of her debut on tonight’s show.

Speaking to the Sun, Kimberley said, “Cheryl’s never been asked to do Strictly but she wouldn’t be allowed — she’s too good.

“She has been helping me with some steps. I asked her to show me an absolutely basic waltz, but even then I forgot after about five minutes.

“If I’m struggling with my routines she’ll be able to give me some SOS lessons.”

Earlier this week, Kimberley – who has twice turned down offers to compete on Strictly – revealed that it was her Girls Aloud band mates who urged her to accept this year.

She said that both Cheryl and Nicola Roberts told her she “had to do it” this year before she was swamped with other projects.

Kimberley added, “Doing Shrek The Musical also helped me to get over my fears of being on my own on stage.

“I’m quite confident performing with the girls because there is safety in numbers. But going out there with your partner is daunting…

“There are no distractions, it’s just you. That’s why I really want to conquer this challenge.”

We will of course find out tonight which of Strictly’s pro-dancers Kimberley has been paired with. But whoever it is that she partners with – she posted a picture to Twitter of herself and Anton du Beke earlier this week – she’s determined to make the most of every moment on the show,

She said, “I’ve not had much technical training [but] if you tell me a step I can copy it.”

She added, “I expected people to say ‘Oh, she dances already’. It does put more pressure on me and will make things tougher.

“I need to make sure every routine is technically tight because that’s what people expect.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge.”