Between Phil’s knee surgery (he’s recovering nicely, thanks for all your wishes) and still being new at all of this – - I’ve not been able to blog. My bad. 
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Thought it’d be fun to share a night out we had a few weeks back. A whole bunch of us from Strictly Come Dancing – including both my pro partner Brendan Cole and my celeb partner Phil Tufnell – managed a night out to blow off the steam. We caught the theatre production of “Dirty Dancing” on the eve of Patrick Swayze’s death.
The night was so special, but getting there was crazy. It one of the wildest down pours of rain I’ve ever seen. When I arrived at the theatre I looked like a homeless person. I highly recommend you catch this show.
Sorry it’s been a bit…but heavy heavy rehearsals and the first weekend of Strictly Come Dancingshows makes for a busy girl.
And somewhere in between it all of us Strictly girls managed a photo shoot with Hello Magazine.
It was amazing to wear these gorgeous designer clothes. You just felt instantly glam! It’s a three-page spread. Check….it…ouuuut.
So I’m really liking this Twitter thing. I’ve only been doing it a few months, but it’s such a neat way to get know other dancers, fans of Strictly, stay in touch with friends around the world.
And I have to say I really cracked up laughing at this picture for The Mirror @anngripper: Who are Strictly Come Dancing’s Twitterati? http://tinyurl.com/mjt588 #scd
Ann gave me props for being a bit tigerish with my training (I prefer feisty). And even my partner Tuffner (@philtufnell) has a Twitter life all his own. He’s even better at it than me! Love it.
By the way @katyavirshilas really is me.
So just hours after the BBC Strictly reveal it was time to change clothes and do BBC’s The One Show. Aliona and Rav, joined Phil and I to represent the Strictly family.
I have to say that the One Show’s green room (these pics are from there) was so much fun – Alan Cummings was one of the guests so hanging out with him was a treat. First of all because he’s just a cool dude. second because one of my first movies was with him (it’s a dark comedy musical?) – Reefer Madness that was filmed in Vancouver. It was so funny how we could both recite some of the crazy lyrics from the songs. Wow.
And yet another treat was after the interview – John Sargeant (one of the hosts) joined us for wine and he shared all kinds of glowing stories about his great experience last season on Strictly Come Dancing.
Alan Cummings
Phil Tufnell
Katya Virshilas (me)
Rav Wilding
Aliona Vilani
What a crazy ride of a day – it’s the day of the BBC Strictly Come Dancing reveal of the line up – pros and celebs. This picture is at the start of my day VERY early to get hair and makeup all sorted for what turned out to be…
a twirl on the dance floor with my new partner and an afternoon of – well almost like speed dating with the media. This is the part of my adventure that will take some getting used to. But I loved every minute of it too – because I have a fantastic wingman.
My amazing celebrity partner is Phil Tufnell.
Charismatic and controversial, Phil Tufnell is the former England bad-boy cricketer with a talent for spinning the ball on the field and getting in trouble off it. From sports quiz show ‘They Think It’s All Over,’ and punditry on Sky Sports and Channel 4, to appearances on current affairs, chat and quiz shows. He’s written ‘Phil Tufnell’s’ A To Z of Cricket’ and his autobiography, ‘What Now?’
Shopping!!! My friend and I hit London’s Regent Street - with a purpose. Tomorrow (Aug 25) is the press conference to finally announce what Strictly Come Dancing fans have been waiting for: The pros, the celebs, the partners.
So of course I need a new outfit. But my fav part of the outfit…
In the TopShop Boutique I found these gorgeous pink suede pumps. They make me so-o-o-o happy. I love shoes. Love shoes. New heels to make tomorrow a breeze of dancing & interviews.
My dress fitting was so good. Seriously, Chrisanne Couture is amazing! I love my dresses and they are so very, hot! I felt like a princess twirling around in the ballgowns, the fabrics the designs. They’re just amazing.
Just check out some of their designs. I can’t wait to wear these works of art on Strictly Come Dancing. Wow.
Oh! And I got some wicked practice wear too. Speaking of – time to start doing that.
I had a great time at my first photoshoot of my journey. Heat Magazine is doing ‘Strictly Stars Without Make Up.‘ Yup, that means me all natural – no makeup.
They sent a car for me, and treated me so nicely. So great to start things proper! I heard that Kelly Osborne was also there shooting – but didn’t run into her. It’s a shame, the papers say that Sharon has turned down offers to be on Strictly Come Dancing.
Anyway, the shoot was so liberating. I give props to Heat Magazine for doing a series that keeps it real. Sans makeup.
I arrived in London with only one minor mishap at the airport – too much luggage. Had to leave a few clothes and some dance shoes with Adrian and family – who sent me off.
Been getting settled into a friends flat, which is lovely except for NO closet space. Even with my reduced luggage there’s still been no where to put it.
Problem solved! A trip to Ikea and now I have a closet. It’s beginning to feel like home. Now time to explore a bit before life starts to get crazy.
Strictly Come Dancing here I come! So my news is that I’m one of the new pro dancers added to the next season of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing (the UK version of Dancing with the Stars).
Catching my flight to London tonight – but first stopped by the set of Citytv Breakfast TV for an interview (early!!) this morning. Tangoed with BT Hosts and had an amazing time. T-A-N-G-O
Today is turning out to be a whirlwind. I still have packing…and goodbyes to say. Excited to share my adventures with all of you as I start on this next journey. And also watch for Strictly’s news on their site.
More to come soon!
