Angela Scanlon Says Strictly Come Dancing Causes More Pain Than Childbirth

Angela Scanlon, a 2023 contestant on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, revealed that participating in the show was more painful than childbirth, describing the agony of raw, bleeding blisters caused by dancing in ballroom shoes despite various attempts to protect her feet. She detailed the physical toll on her heels during intense routines like the Viennese waltz and shared that even plasters failed to stay on due to excessive sweating. Scanlon, who finished sixth with dance partner Carlos Gu, also described the stress of waiting under the red lights during public votes as "hell on Earth" and "absolute torture." Her experience echoes that of other contestants, including Nick Knowles, who suffered severe injuries requiring operations, and others like AJ Odudu and Zara McDermott, who endured foot and ligament damage. The show's demanding physical nature and high-pressure environment have resulted in multiple contestants sustaining lasting injuries. Scanlon's candid reflections highlight the often unseen hardships behind the glamorous television dance competition.