Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Greg Rutherford has opened up about his experience on the BBC show when he took part in the 14th series in 2016. The 37-year-old revealed he had to unlearn everything he had learned during his career as a track and field athlete in order to learn the dance routines on the show.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the sports star explained why he felt at a disadvantage while competing on the show. He divulged: “It was a disadvantage for me, things like pointing your toes and certain positions, you learn the opposite.

“In my day when I was a track athlete, everything you do is a dawsy flex position with your foot, it means your foot is sort of at a 90 degree angle, it’s not for dancing at all, it’s the complete opposite in dancing.

“It’s tough, you having to unlearn things you’ve programmed into your body for 15 to 20 years in the space of a couple of months.”

Greg went on to reveal that he would get into trouble with the Strictly judges for not placing his derriere under during his performances.

The Dancing on Ice star continued: “I would always get into trouble for having my bum poking out, I tried to explain to them that I have a huge bum from training so hard. It can’t go anywhere, it cannot go under because it’s just big,” the dad-of-three explained to Express.co.uk.

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Despite feeling like he was at a disadvantage, Greg thoroughly enjoyed his experience on the BBC show and he and his dance partner Natalie Lowe ended up coming in seventh place. Presenter Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton went on to lift the glitterball trophy, with Louise Redknapp and Danny Mac just being pipped to the top spot.

Greg is gearing up to take part in the next series of Dancing on Ice and is busy training for the ITV series with skating partner Vanessa James.

The Olympian has partnered with Dogs for Good charity and More Than for a new campaign which aims to show people how people can benefit from the companionship and confidence dogs can bring during the festive period.

Speaking about the campaign, Greg told Express.co.uk: “The research has shown that dogs are the massive unsung hero, especially over the festive period.

“Our dogs are just family pets but I see every single day, the importance they have on all of my children, especially for my child that’s on the autistic spectrum as well.”

Greg Rutherford has partnered with MORE THAN Insurance and UK charity Dogs for Good to showcase how dogs can support families during the festive period, particularly those with autistic children. To find out more and donate to Dogs for Good’s Winter Appeal visit here