Strictly Come Dancing’s Judge Rinder: ‘I still work full-time in court’

There's a lot going on in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom this year – there've been racism rows, Will Young quitting and that Anastacia controversy.

But perhaps one of the biggest shocks has been the sensational Judge Rinder. His first dance has been viewed a record number of times online, he was the first man to get his chest out and his bubbly personality has seen him become a firm fan favourite.

heat caught up with the judge – Robert to his mates – as he dashed between important cases (yes, he actually still practises law) and Strictly rehearsals.

How's training going?

"It's a bit difficult for me because I've also got a job. I'll do a long day on a Monday and Thursday but other than that we only get a couple of hours. I can't do long proactive periods because I start switching off and going into a glittery coma."

It must be a change from the courtroom to the ballroom…

"The other day, I settled a big case for tens of millions of pounds in the morning, drafted a very difficult order, then arrived at rehearsals and the first thing Oksana said was: 'Now listen, when you kiss the cow, make sure you kiss the cow properly.' So…"

Your first dance had 250,00 views in three days – did you expect that popularity?

"No - when I was told I'd gone viral, I didn't know what they meant. I thought that something was wrong."

WATCH THE DANCE:

And you got your chest out – are you going for the title of Strictly hottie?

"I don't think there'll be much competition there. Somebody once described me as a BOBFOC – body of Baywatch, face of Crimewatch."

You're good friends with Benedict Cumberbatch. Is he going to watch you?

"I will say this: watch this space."

What do you make of Will quitting?

Us contestants are a group, so when something bad or negative happens to one of the people in our community, your immediate and only response was, 'I hope they're OK.' So, when Will made his public statement, the first thing you're concerned about is, 'Is this person well?'

What level fake tan are you on?

"I don't know really. I'm literally the person that style and modern grooming forgot. I just consider it all an amusing, glittery turd-polishing exercise for [the make-up artists backstage]. I sit down and the first thing I do is apologise that they haven't got someone better to make up."

Strictly Come Dancing returns this Saturday on BBC1.

Catch Judge Rinder's full interview in this week's heat mag, out now.