'Expert dancer' Cheryl Cole has given me Strictly tips, says Kimberley Walsh

Kimberley Walsh says her Girls Aloud bandmate Cheryl Cole has proved to be an invaluable asset during the run-up to Strictly Come Dancing (Picture: BBC)

Cheryl was taught ballroom dancing as a child and has been keen to brief Kimberley to ensure she has a headstart on the BBC1 show which kicks off tonight.

Talking about her friend's invaluable input, Kimberley, 30, said: 'Cheryls never been asked to do Strictly but she wouldnt be allowed - shes too good.

'She has been helping me with some steps. I asked her to show me an absolutely basic waltz, but even then I forgot after about five minutes.'

And the Yorkshire songstress will be hoping the Under The Sun singer will be sticking around throughout her time on the show.

Chezza spent her childhood days ballroom dancing and is a technical pro (Picture: Getty)

'If Im struggling with my routines shell be able to give me some SOS lessons,' Kimberley told The Sun.

Despite 10 years of performing with Girls Aloud, Kim attributes her stint as Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical for helping her pluck up the courage to sign up to Strictly.

She explained: 'Doing Shrek The Musical helped me to get over my fears of being on my own on stage.

'Im quite confident performing with the girls because there is safety in numbers.

Kimberley says her Girls Aloud bandmates make her feel more comfortable on stage (Picture: AP)

'But going out there with your partner is daunting. There are no distractions,! its just you. Thats why I really want to conquer this challenge.'

But despite her dancing experience with the girl group, Kimberley thinks the added pressure will have a knock-on effect on her routines.

'I expected people to say "Oh, she dances already". It does put more pressure on me and will make things tougher,' Kimberley continued.

'I need to make sure every routine is technically tight because thats what people expect.'

The contestants will be teamed up with their professionals on tonight's show (Picture: Xposurephotos.com)

Tonights show will see the celebrity dancers find out who their professional partners are going to be.

Without giving the game away, Kimberley described her mentor as the 'strong, smouldering type', but insists she's not looking for love on the show.

'We do look good together, but hes not my type. Were both in relationships anyway, so all Im thinking about is how well dance,' she explained.

'I think hell look after me.'

The Promise This singer has turned down Strictly twice before because of other commitments, but says Cheryl and fellow bandmate Nicola Roberts told her she 'had to do it' this time around.