Following her shock exit last week, the Salfordian actor talks self-love and pushing your limits
From the Corrie cobbles to sitcom Scarborough, Cath Tyldesley has been winning over audiences for more than a decade through her TV acting roles. But the Salford-born star also earned some serious dancing stripes on the seventeenth series of Strictly Come Dancing, where she and dance partner Johannes Radebe hit some pretty impressive scores.
No wonder, then, that her untimely exit in last week’s Halloween special dismayed fans and fellow contestants alike. Tyldesley found herself in the dance off against Mike and Katya following her zombie-themed cha cha cha but, despite receiving votes from Bruno Toniolli and Motsi Mabuse, was controversially cast out when head judge Shirley Ballast chose Mike.
Following her departure from the hit competition, Tyldesley admitted she ‘had a good cry’ before issuing an emotional but upbeat statement and thanking fans ‘for their messages, love and support.’
She said: “When I started my Strictly journey my confidence was low. My belief in what I could achieve on the show was extremely low. The expectations on my humble body - beyond low.
“What (my dancing partner) Johannes gave me was priceless. Confidence, belief, love - and laughter beyond words!
“This man is a gift to the world. If there were more people like him the world would be spectacular (with shed loads of sass!) He taught me how to walk in high heels, he taught me how to ‘own it’... he taught me to love and appreciate what my body could achieve.
“I’m often low on body confidence but I’m so proud of the limits that I’ve thoroughly pushed on this wonderful journey. I did it for me. I also did it for the hundreds of mums out there who felt they’d lost a little bit of themselves, the women out there who’d become negative about their body. The women who found it hard to look in the mirror and love what they saw.
“I’m proud of my body and my mind for getting me through this wonderful but incredibly tough experience. Push your limits ladies and be grateful for everything your wonderful body can achieve.”
Her final advice? “Dance like NOBODY is watching.” Hear hear.
Images: @auntiecath17
