AS a new batch of celebs get set to sashay two by two on to the dance floor, one man knows just how they feel – last year’s Strictly Come Dancing contestant Mark Foster.

A year ago the 39-year-old swimming champ was beginning his own journey on the BBC show, which makes a vibrant return to TV screens on Friday.

Despite winning a whole new generation of female admirers, Mark waltzed out of the competition in week six.

However, Mark, a former Southend High School for Boys pupil who grew up in Billericay, took defeat in his stride.

He said: “The show has certainly opened a lot of doors for me in different areas to sport.

“Before Strictly I was well known in the sporting world, but now I get people who know nothing about swimming coming up to me in the street and wanting to say hi, or asking for an autograph.

“That’s a lovely side to being on such a popular show, but to be honest taking part on the show was a wonderful experience.

“I made some amazing mates and I learnt a heck of a lot.

“I’ll be there in the audience for the first show of the new series. It’ll be lovely to sit there and just watch and have no pressure on me, unlike last year.

“Some of my friends are in the new show – Ricky Groves, who plays Garry in EastEnders, lives just down the road from me and we’re good mates.

“I also know some of the sporting lot like Phil Tuffnall, so I’ll be cheering them on.”

Mark, a 50m freestyler, has been world champion six times and has broken eight world records. However, his finesse in the pool didn’t always transfer on to the dance floor.

Although he would receive a tongue-lashing from the judges for some of his lacklustre routines with partner Hayley Holt, Mark didn’t take it personally.

He said: “It’s all part of the show. When you get some bad comments you just have to accept them as graciously as you can.”

Mark said he was shocked at the abrupt sacking of 66-year-old stalwart judge Arlene Phillips, who has been ditched from this year’s series in favour of 30-year-old former show winner Aleshia Dixon.

Mark said: “I loved Arlene. I got on with her really well.

“I honestly don’t think all this stuff had anything to do with age though. There are older people on the show than her.

“I was shocked at the decision to let her go though.

“If anything I would have thought they would have got rid of one of the male judges to make it more even, but these things happen in TV all the time.

“I’m sure she’ll be fine and will be inundated with offers for work.”

Mark has a busy few months in store. He’s about to jet off to Bali on a modelling shoot for the French clothing company La Redoute.

He will also appear in another dancing show, to be screened on BBC3 in January.

He said: “It’s called Dancing on Wheels, where you have able bodied people dancing with disabled people. It’s a great show and I’ve just finished filming it.

“I’m also trying to keep myself very fit as you never know when my country might call on me to compete again.”

Mark is going to receive an honorary degree from the University of Essex next month for his contribution to sport and has also been working on a number of fitness schemes, in particular to get more children to learn how to swim. He said: “I learnt to swim at the age of five. My dad was adamant I should learn as when he was a kid he was bullied and thrown into a river.

“He has had a fear of water since that day. In fact, he still can’t swim.

“But he wanted to make sure I learnt, so I would go to lessons at Shoebury Pool, and then to the pool at Warrior Square, South-end.”

As for his dancing shoes, Mark hasn’t thrown them out.

He said: “I gained a new appreciation of dance after going on the show.

“I’ve been to a couple of weddings since then and I’ve hit the dance floor with a lot more confidence. I’m still not any good, but I try my best!”