Ruth Langsford exposes what Strictly professionals are really like away from the cameras

Loose Women host Ruth Langsford has spilled the beans on what the Strictly professionals are truly like behind the scenes.

In an exclusive chat, the presenter confessed she'd assumed there would be a "separation" between the celebrities and the pros. But Ruth's experience couldn't have been more different.

The former This Morning favourite, who was paired with Anton Du Beke, who she is still friends with to this day, candidly shared her insights, revealing: "The professional dancers – before I got there, I thought, 'I expect they'll be quite separate to us', you know.

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"I don't mean with your partner, but with the others, because I thought, 'oh, they're obviously doing their group dances', but they're not, they were so fun, and kind, and everyone's in makeup together.

"I loved it because it's so not my world. It's almost like theatre – they're all changing and makeup-ing."

Ruth had a prime spot to witness all the backstage drama during her 2017 stint, as her makeup station was positioned right beside the door where all the excitement unfolded.

She remembered: "I used to sit in my chair by the door where I got my makeup done, and I loved it, because I could see in the mirror behind me – everyone in and out, the amazing makeups that those teams do – incredible."

Looking back on her own stunning Strictly makeovers, Ruth beamed: "I had long hair, dark hair, I loved it. I said, 'bring it all on!'"

In the years following Ruth's stint on the programme, the Strictly professionals have faced increased scrutiny, with the BBC issuing an apology to 2023 participant Amanda Abbington and upholding some of her grievances against her former dancing partner, Giovanni Pernice.

The supported grievances included verbal intimidation and harassment, though Giovanni was exonerated of the most severe accusations of physical aggression.

Former Strictly professional Graziano Di Prima was also dismissed from the series following claims of misconduct and kicking his partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals, for which he has since apologised.

Despite numerous controversies dominating the conversation surrounding the programme, Ruth remains hopeful that Strictly will persist for years to come.

She revealed: "I loved the crew and the team, and I know everybody says that – it sounds like such a cliché – but it's absolutely true.

"And it's a phenomenal team – the choreographers, the professional dancers, hair, makeup, costume, everything, the set, the band – it's just a phenomenal show and I hope it lives on, and on, and on.

"And I'm sure it will, because the public love it. It only gets better every year, in my opinion."