COLNE actress Natalie Gumede is hoping to be a smooth operator on tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The Coronation Street star has spoken of her nerves as she prepares to tackle the American Smooth dance with partner Artem Chigvintsev.

Tonight’s dance, which will be set to music from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, has seen her grappling with lifts.

Charting her progress on her blog, the star said the music reminded her of every heartbreak she had ever had.

She said: “It has been a long, tiring week with very little energy to do anything but dance and sleep; even talking became a chore.

“We are dancing an American Smooth to 'I'm Telling You I'm Not Going' from 'Dreamgirls' and it's a big song.

“I've been resorting to goofing around miming it Mariah Carey style because I'm so intimidated by it, which has led to Artem telling me off for not concentrating - but every time the song has been played so far it has reminded me of every heartache I've ever felt, so grimacing and hand waggling is how I have dealt with it so far.”

Currently the bookie’s favourite, last week the former Park High School pupil was awarded 39 out of a possible 40 points with BBC Breakfast presenter Susanna Reid.