MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has revealed he enjoyed his first good night's sleep in three weeks following his exit from Strictly Come Dancing.

The Seasalter TV presenter was the first celebrity voted off the show last night after failing to impress the judges with his partner Aliona Vilani.

Today, Gregg revealed he was plagued with anxiety throughout his time on the dancefloor, adding he was pleased to be back in Whitstable and away from the spotlight.

He said: "I really enjoyed the fitness and the training but I had no idea it would be that difficult. I just couldn't cope with the stress.

"As soon as I entered the arena I couldn't remember my steps and my confidence started to go. It was horrendous.

"I've done a lot of live stuff and I've never experienced anxiety like it before. After the show went out I had my first good night's sleep in about three weeks.

"I went to a Star Trek convention yesterday with my younger brother and it was a great day out.

"I'm happy to be back by the sea where I feel safe!"

Despite his stage fright struggles, Gregg says he's left with a lot of new friends and tipped EastEnders star Jake Wood or TV presenter Alison Hammond to lift the Glitterball trophy.

He added: "I was disappointed I wasn't good at dancing. It's the first thing I've done where I haven't been good at it. I honestly thought I would be better

"I lost a stone in weight, which was great. I could do the training and come back for a pie and a beer.

"I've made lots of good friends and we all had a drink together near the studio after the show went out on Friday before I came back to Whitstable.

"I struck up a close friendship with Jake, who I think the world has woken up to after his fantastic performance.

"When he came up afterwards I kissed him on the head and whispered in his ear, 'You're my hero'. I haven't shouted and screamed so much since Millwall last won!

"It's Jake and an outside bet is Alison. I know she is a big lady but looks how she moves."

Speaking this morning, his mum Mary Pettman, of Wynn Road, says her son enjoyed his time on the show.

She said: "He thoroughly enjoyed it. The whole of the group were very close and supportive.

"I don't think he was emotional about leaving the show but he might have been about leaving the group. They are a lovely bunch.

"Clearly he wasn't going to win and there are better dancers out there but good on him for having a go."

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