BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Sarah Hadland receives unexpected support from pop icon

Strictly Come Dancing star Sarah Hadland is set to for a huge performance this weekend and received high praise from an unlikely source

Since joining this year's line-up of Strictly Come Dancing, Miranda star Sarah Hadland has consistently impressed judges with her technical ability.

And as she prepares to win over the judges later this evening with her performance to M People's classic song Proud, she has received a message of support from the group's lead singer Heather Small. Taking to Instagram, the nineties legend wrote: "I’ve heard @hadderstime and @vitocoppola are dancing to Proud on this week’s @bbcstrictly We wish them well. Come on… 10s all the way, I’m sure. Good luck #TeamTiramisu."

And in the comment section, one comment said: "Haha ! Loved how "they" tried to impersonate you (Miranda & Stevi) & even Sarah said when she met you & you did that "what have you done today?", she realised no one on earth can actually accurately impersonate you, @heathersmallmpeople!"

They added: "You are a true one-off, one of the best voices to grace this planet ! You're a true singer & an absolute legend & so inspiring to everyone from any background / walk of life ! Sarah's doing extremely well. So fitting she's dancing to this with Vito. They're both funny as well as great dancers. Perfect partnership, perfect song ! We all love you, @heathersmallmpeople go Sarah & Vito."

But there is one thing that appears to be bothering the Miranda star - and that is the reference to her age. Sarah, 53, told The Times: "I'd love for my age not to be commented on, for it to be accepted that women are amazing and don't need to be limited, when men seem to be allowed to do things without any comment."

She added: "But if women watch and go, 'Wow, I'm in my 50s, I could do that too,' then that's absolutely brilliant. Rather than go on about it, I'd rather just show what I can do. We need to change this narrative of women having a shelf life. I know loads my age who are really fit and active, they don't drop off the ends of the Earth. We just need to be more visible."

And speaking about her love of exercise, she continued: "When I was young I exercised because I wanted to be thin and that's an appalling goal. Now I exercise because I want to be strong and capable, I want my child to see me fit and healthy and because it helps my mental health."

Later this evening, Sarah and Vito will perform the American Smooth to Proud by M People, which is a song her Miranda character Stevie, is seen singing to on the comedy show. Last weekend, Miranda Hart popped into rehearsals to support her former co-star, which was shown to viewers.

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