By Carly Hacon
Copyright dailystar
Former Strictly pro Flavia Cacace has opened up about how life has completely transformed since swapping the dazzling ballroom for muddy wellies and life on a farm. The professional dancer, 45, became one of the BBC show’s most popular stars during her glittering career, but these days she’s more likely to be found collecting eggs than collecting 10s from the judges. Reflecting on her two very different worlds, Flavia told Daily Star in collaboration with betway.com : “It’s like chalk and cheese, isn’t it? I’ve got this unique personality where one minute, I’m really happy to be in my heels and glitzy outfits, and then other times, I just want to be in my wellies.” Flavia explained that while the first half of her life was completely consumed by dancing, she soon realised she needed more. “The first part of my life, I was very much the dancer. It was 110% that – I had very little outside of that, and then that’s when I think I realised I needed to make a change and tap into the other side.” For the past five years, Flavia and her husband Jimi Mistry , 52, who she famously fell for after they were partnered on Strictly in 2010, have lived on a farm, caring for animals and enjoying a slower pace of life. “The last five years, I’ve kind of gone the other way, and I’ve still done a little bit of dancing, but it’s mostly been living in wellies, holding the chickens,” she laughed. But while she’s loved the simplicity of farm life, Flavia confessed she has missed being on the dance floor. “I have massively missed the dancing. I feel now, finally, for the first time in my life, I can build a lifestyle where I can satisfy both parts of me. I feel content.” With her new outlook, Flavia says she’s never been happier – striking the perfect balance between glitz and mud. “At the age of 46, I’m probably the most complete. I kind of need both parts to make me a whole person.” Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
