Jimi Mistry: 'Flavia keeps me dancing'

Jimi Mistry is hoping to get back to the fitness levels he enjoyed on Strictly Come Dancing - with the help of girlfriend Flavia Cacace.

The East Is East star, who was partnered by Flavia on the talent show last year, said his other half is keen to make sure he doesn't lose his dancing skills.

Speaking at the opening night of La Soiree in London, Jimi said: "We have the odd time at home on Friday nights, where we might bust a move in the living room.

"She's trying to get me into a training routine, which I would be up for, because it's the fittest I ever was."

Jimi has been supporting Flavia in her role as partner to Russell Grant, who was booted off the show despite a performance that saw the astrologer fired out of a cannon.

"I get to have my girlfriend back, so that's fine," Jimi said, but added: "I think they did an amazing job. They entertained the nation and were kind of Strictly legends.

"It's really full on this year. They seem to be working the celebrities much harder than they worked us.

"It's nice to go back and be in a supportive role rather than actually having to go through the pain of doing it."

Jimi insisted it was "absolutely fine" watching his girlfriend dance with someone else, and has even enlisted Russell's help to do the couple's star charts.

The actor is now backing Chelsee Healey or Harry Judd to win this year's BBC One show. "Everyone's good at this stage, but you want to champion the natural dancers and I think Chelsee and Harry are very good."

La Soiree is playing at the Roundhouse in Camden.