HE’S the radio DJ who is hoping to rock the ballroom.

Tonight Hampshire’s Scott Mills will take to the Strictly dance floor for the very first time as the latest series of the award-winning show kicks off in an explosion of sequins and glitter.

And the Radio 1 presenter will be hoping to impress the judges and the millions of viewers watching at home with his cha cha cha routine to Robbie Williams’ Rock DJ.

Over the last three weeks he has been locked away in the training room with his professional dance partner, Strictly Come Dancing newcomer Joanne Clifton, trying to rid himself of his natural clumsiness to sashay his way to success.

The 40-year-old, who grew up in Eastleigh, admitted to the Daily Echo that it has been hard work, but great fun.

Now he just hopes he will be able to get into the zone when the cameras start rolling tonight for the first live show and showcase the moves he has spent hours practising inbetween hosting his daily radio show.

The former Crestwood College pupil said: “I am having the best fun. It is a bit like a rollercoaster. I have never danced a step in my life and I am notoriously clumsy, so the fact I have been managing to put anything together at all is quite surprising.

“Jo is such a great teacher, because she doesn’t shout and she is very patient. I have a new-found admiration for the dancers because they work so hard, picking everything up so quickly. They are the best in the world and they are incredible to watch.”

Yesterday he spent the day in rehearsals in the studio, along with the 14 other couples he will be competing against for the coveted glitterball trophy in the 12th series.

Scott’s mum, Sandra, who lives in Eastleigh, will be in the audience cheering her son on.

Scott added: “We have been locked away in a gym but now we have taken to the floor which is really exciting.

“I have found it hard, it doesn’t come naturally to me at all. I just want to be the best I can.

“I have never done anything like this before. I’m really putting myself out there and I hope the people on the south coast will do what they can to support me.”

Also taking to the dance floor this weekend is the wife of ex-Saints star Wayne Bridge, Frankie, from The Saturdays, who is partnered with Joanne’s brother, Kevin, from Grimsby.

• Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC1 tonight