Strictly star branded own show experience 'absolutely hateful'

Actress Stephanie Beacham, who starred in Coronation Street, shared her experience of taking part in Strictly Come Dancing, a show that she took part in back in 2007

Dynasty icon Stephanie Beacham revealed that her stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 was "absolutely hateful." The star, who previously graced the cobbles of Coronation Street as Martha Fraser, once confessed to OK!: "I’m a fan of Strictly and I think [Anton Du Beke] is doing a terribly good job. But doing it was absolutely hateful."

Stephanie, who danced with Vincent Simone during her time on the show, competing against celebs like Kelly Brook, Kate Garraway, and Alesha Dixon, also shared her thoughts on potentially joining another competition show: "Someone asked me the other night if I’d do Dancing On Ice," she said, "And, well, I didn’t spit out my food but I choked with the laughter of it."

She elaborated, "Because... no! Thank you so much but I would not like to do that! I don’t ride any more, I don’t ski any more. I don’t want to fall over any more. I could probably fall over very easily by myself without ice or horses."

Despite her aversion to reality TV, the 75 year old actress expressed excitement about her return to Coronation Street in 2022, especially to work with Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow. "I wanted to work with Bill again," she remarked. "His modesty and work ethic is something that I feel so calm next to. And he was dear enough to say that he felt great trust with me. There’s no stress, it’s absolutely easy, good communication. All my scenes last time were just on the barge as Ken was having an affair with my character. But this time I filmed in all the iconic places. I had my photo taken outside the Rovers Return!".

In a personal note, Stephanie has had much to celebrate as well. She revealed details about her relationship with doctor and saxophonist Bernie Greenwood. "I’ve met many women in their 40s who are successful but alone," she shared. "I didn’t meet Bernie until I was 60. Let that be an inspiration!

"Let’s be honest, that’s post-menopause, post-children. That’s post a lot of things – but not all things! We fell in love, no compromise. We were given, through rose coloured spectacles, the vision of each other as if we were 35. God allowed us magic!".

Despite being engaged since 2014, the couple have yet to set concrete wedding plans. "We may just do it," she suggested. "We may suddenly say, ‘Oh, for heaven’s sake, shall we have a party this afternoon and just get married? ’ We just haven’t and it’s for no other reason than we can’t quite come to understand what sort of a wedding we would have."