It’s been reported today that former Emmerdale and Fat Friends star Lisa Riley is taking her pre-show training for her forthcoming participation in Strictly Come Dancing very seriously, notching up an astonishing eight hours per day in training!

Lisa, who the Daily Mirror reports currently weighs around 18 stone, is apparently, “surprisingly light on her feet” and has already demonstrated an innate aptitude for dance.

A show source told the paper, “Viewers will see a real transformation in her if she tones up.

“She has the potential to go on a real journey if soap fans get behind her.

“Someone who has seen her says she can do the splits so will be more flexible than people realise…”

As we reported recently, the line-up of celebs rumoured to be taking part also includes Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh, actress and model Jerry Hall, TV critic Richard Arnold and cricketer Michael Vaughan.

The paper goes on to say of Lisa, “Insiders say the BBC is considering a cheeky move by giving her Vincent Simone, who is 5ft 7ins and may struggle to perform lift moves with Lisa.”

Aww poor Lisa! That’s a bit harsh! And anyway, I would think if she’s doing that much training, she’s going to see the weight fall off.

Are you looking forward to this year’s show?