Opera star Lesley Garrett on being part of Strictly’s first series and practising for Celebrity Masterchef

STRICTLY burst back on our screens for a spectacular 15th series at the weekend – and opera star Lesley Garrett has special reason to welcome its return.

The soprano – a current Celebrity MasterChef semi-finalist – took part in the very first series in 2004.

And she told iN10 reaching the final of that first series with Anton Du Beke is still a massive highlight.

“That was one of the proudest times of my career,” said Lesley, 62.

“It’s lovely have been in at the very beginning of something that’s become a worldwide success.”

While Lesley says it’s hard to believe Strictly has gone on to become quite such an institution, her Class of 2004 did think it was a great idea.

What none of them, including eventual winner Natasha Kaplinsky, imagined was just how much dedication was required.

“We were all required to rehearse much longer than we’d been led to believe,” revealed Lesley.

“It wasn’t deliberate misinformation on behalf of the BBC, it was just that the professional dancers were very competitive.

“We’d been told we’d be needed for a few hours a week but that turned into a few hours a day.

“It took over our lives. I remember Natasha having to cancel a holiday and as I had a big tour on Anton had to travel with me so we could rehearse.

“I was exhausted the whole time but it was so exciting to feel you were involved with something that could be television gold.

“What was also exciting was that right after it I did the very first Who Do You Think You Are?

“Both series went on to become extraordinary success stories so 2004 was a heck of a year.”

Lesley did keep up her steps post-Strictly until a foot injury put an end to her dancing days.

Now it’s her cooking that’s being judged. She’s one of the stars whose culinary skills are coming under scrutiny by John Torode and Gregg Wallace this week.

The eight remaining celebrities, including Ulrika Jonsson and Rebecca Adlington, face more tough tests including cooking a feast for 120 RNLI staff and volunteers in marquee kitchens.

Then it’s back into the famous MasterChef kitchens to face an Invention Test with a difference.

Throughout the heats Lesley’s exuberance and excitement came across and she admits she had an absolute blast.

“I loved every minute of it,” she admits. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat if I had the chance.

“I felt a bit like I was walking on stage to do a performance. They’d asked me to do it a couple of times before but I had never been able to fit it into my schedule before.

“So I was so happy to manage it this time.”

Lesley described herself as “just a mum cook” but says she has become much better since filming finished.

Part of what pushed her through on the show was plenty of homework, practising on husband Peter and their kids Jeremy, 24, and Chloe, 23.

“On my Mother’s Day card the message read: ‘We love you mum – but please no more liver!’

“I think I practiced my liver with onions and marsala just a bit too much for their taste.

“That and my deconstructed cheesecake.”

Lesley has a new opera, Marnie, based on the Alfred Hitchcock film, opening next month.

And she’s currently also fitting in time for a big charity gala on September 24, marking 30 years of the Lady Taverners.

Lesley’s other TV work over the years has included regular appearances on Loose Women – but as a singer, she has to take care of her voice.

“I’ve had a few scares along the way and needed hospital attention,” she adds.

“Talking can be one of the most damaging things and I had to learn how to support my speaking voice.

“When I was doing TV projects that involved more speaking, I found I was getting hoarse and I had to have lessons.”

Celebrity MasterChef, BBC1, Wed, 8pm.