Why Vanessa Feltz is sobbing ahead of Strictly performance

Ms Feltz, 51, will perform the dance to Whitney Houston’s emotional ballad, “Run By You”.

Strictly's other Jewish contestant Rachel Riley's concerns this week were more practical. The Countdown co-presenter, who will dance the salsa with partner Pasha Kovalev to Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky”, was worried that she would forget the steps.

“I really hope my two left feet don't let me down on the night,” said the 27-year-old maths-whizz.

“I'm going to leave tomboy sporty Rachel at home, and bring elegant, glamorous Rachel to the dance floor.”

Last week’s opening performance for the show’s series saw the two celebrities poles apart on the competition judging board. Ms Feltz came third from last with only 19 out of a total 40 marks, while Ms Riley came in sixth place with 27 points.

Out of the 15 celebrities partaking in this year’s eleventh SCD series, model Abbey Clancey came out on top with 32 points and Dave Myers received the lowest mark, 16 out of 40.