WHEN celebrity contestants from one of Britain’s most popular TV shows came to rehearse at his studio there was a lot to talk about.

But Tristan Edgar, owner of the Tristan Dance Studios, Lockwood, was sworn to secrecy when magician Paul Daniels and professional dance partner Ola Jordan came to rehearse at his premises on Monday, September 27.

Paul and Ola were practising their routines for the second episode of the BBC1 hit programme Strictly Come Dancing.

And until then Tristan – and a select number of teachers and pupils who watched the rehearsal – were banned from revealing the routines which the pair performed live on TV.

The venue, at Park Valley Mills, was chosen for its modern decor and its proximity to Huddersfield Town Hall, where Paul was performing that night as part of the Best of British variety show.

Paul, 72, and Ola, 28, are competing against other celebrity and dance pro pairs including former England goalie Peter Shilton with Erin Boag and former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe with Anton du Beke.

Tristan, who took over the family-run school two years ago, said: “I was told not to talk about the choreography or say what they were going to do in the show

“I got to watch the whole thing. It was very interesting.

“Paul’s not bad for his age. He moved around the floor reasonably well but I think he should stick to magic!

“He was aware of his limitations and what he could and couldn’t do. He kept trying to put magic hand gestures in which he did when I saw the show. There were one or two comedy moments.

“Paul did a few magic tricks and told one joke after the other.

“He’s quite hard to stop talking but he’s a lovely man and very friendly.

“The mother of one of our pupils gave him a lift to the town hall.”