By Samantha Masters

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Strictly Come Dancing star Fleur East has not shied away from various roles in the entertainment world since rising to fame on the X Factor in 2014. However, despite being used to the spotlight, the 37-year-old described one of her latest roles as her “biggest challenge” to date.

Currently, she’s not only a presenter on Hits Radio and Strictly: It Takes Two, but she also balances motherhood with running a business alongside her sister Keshia East.

Adding to her packed schedule in June, she took on a three-month run as the legendary singer Tina Turner in the West End musical.

Chatting on the Good Food podcast, which aired last month, she confessed: “This is probably going to be one of the biggest challenges that I’ve ever taken on.

“And I really need to fuel my body with a lot of protein and, because it’s going to take a lot of energy, I need to make sure I’m replenishing myself in the right way but with the right foods as well.

“So, it’s going to be quite tough but yeah I’m ready to take on the challenge.

“I am playing thee Tina Turner, I will be donning a lot of wigs. I think there are six or seven wigs in total that I have to wear throughout the show, but yeah it’ll be a lot of fun.”

At the time of the podcast being released, Fleur had already finished her stint as Tina. Sharing a heartfelt message with her followers on social media at the time, she wrote: “Goodbye Tina. I just finished my West End debut as the legendary Tina Turner at the @aldwychtheatre.

“This journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to share Tina’s powerful story.

“A massive thank you to everyone on and off stage who made this unforgettable experience possible and to all of you for your unwavering support.”

Fleur went on to say that it was “a true honour” to be part of the final London performances of the show, alongside “the powerhouse” Karis Anderson and their fellow cast members.

“I’ve loved every second of this journey and I will never forget it,” she continued.

Fleur also touched on the challenges of juggling her role in the musical with her breakfast radio gig and motherhood, adding: “To take on this challenge along with doing a breakfast show in the morning and raising my daughter has not been easy at all! But I have my family, my support unit, to thank for holding it down for me in the background.”

Fleur is now gracing our screens again, joining forces with Janette Manrara for the new series of Strictly: It Takes Two.

Over the coming months, the dynamic duo will be catching up with this year’s contestants, all hoping to win the Glitterball trophy.

This weekend marks the end of the road for one dancing couple, who will sit down with Janette to reflect on their Strictly journey on Monday.

Strictly: It Takes Two continues tonight at 6.30pm on BBC Two.