Sheila Hancock jumped at Dancing show challenge

Veteran actress Sheila Hancock jumped at the chance to star in a festive episode of reality TV show Strictly Come Dancing as it is "wonderful exercise for older people".

The 79 year old will show off her fancy footwork in the Christmas Day special, and Hancock admits she relished the opportunity to learn a new skill - even though it was tougher than she expected.

She tells The Sun newspaper, "It's far more difficult than I thought. But I am really enjoying it. I have never wanted to do a series because it would take too much time but it's nice to do this Christmas special.

"At my age, it is marvellous to learn a new skill. Ballroom dancing is a wonderful exercise for older people and as long as I don't fall on my bottom and let everyone down, I will be alright!"