Flora Thompson meets Strictly Come Dancing heartthrob Pasha Kovalev
Seafood is a dancer's best friend, according to a favourite male Strictly Come Dancing professional.
Pasha Kovalev said delicacies from the sea are a great pre-performance dish, high in protein, but light to maintain plenty of energy.
"The last thing you want is a heavy meal so you feel sleepy before a dance. Seafood and fish is something I would probably have before a show," he said.
Siberian-born Pasha said he loves touring with his Lithuanian partner Katya Virshilas.
The pair first met on the BBC show and it will be their third visit to Yeovil in May.
Pasha said there was a surprise in store for audiences, with a completely different set of dances, scenarios and characters.
The pair will be joined by four guest dancers, will conduct a question and answer session, and appear alongside members of a Yeovil dance school.
He said: "There will be something to entertain everyone. We'll offer our favourite dances, and traditional ballroom and Latin routines with a modern twist.
"We all have signature moves that we love to incorporate into routines. But I always enjoying fitting moves to the song. I still say that I love Latin dancing."
A relatively new face to the nation's favourite dancing contest, Pasha waltzed his way to the 2011 final with Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey, before wowing crowds with 2012 finalist Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh.
Last year he competed with Countdown presenter Rachel Riley.
He is now eagerly waiting an announcement in June to hear if he will return to the show. But he batted away rumours Strictly could soon draw to a close.
He said: "I would absolutely love to come back. As long as Strictly has an audience there will be a show. Its popularity and longevity is incredible. It is such a positive thing and viewers really get involved."
And his dream dance partner would be Madonna.
He said: "I don't know if I could teach her – she does so many different things. But it would be amazing to work with her."
The pair will return to the Octagon Theatre for An Evening with Stars from Strictly Come Dancing: Pasha & Katya on Wednesday, May 14.
