HE SAYS it is too early to say whether he is going to be a John Sergeant or a Chris Hollis.

And he freely admits that he is not a dancer, just a bloke that runs around in a circle.

But one thing is for sure, Southampton's Strictly star is definitely going to bring the fun factor to the dance floor this year and if he gets the public votes to keep dancing, he promises to get better every week.

So while Iwan Thomas admits he is facing one of his toughest challenges yet, he hopes the public's love for a "duffer" will keep him in long enough to show he can improve.

Taking time out from his furiously busy schedule, the 41-year-old told the Daily Echo he was up against it trying to juggle his work commitments and training for the hit BBC1 show.

While the other contestants have had the last three weeks to train, Iwan and his professional dance partner Ola Jordan, have only managed to squeeze in three days of training.

It is a scary thought for the Olympian, who has been busy jetting around the world for his Moto GP show and a documentary he is filming for the BBC.

He said: "It has been really intense but I am loving every minute of it. I literally do not have enough hours in the day.

"So far it has been a great experience and while Ola and I have only managed a few days training, I felt I have improved after each session and I have run the routine through my head non-stop.

"Once we get this week out of the way, my schedule gets a bit clearer so I will have more time to train."

While his dancing may not be getting 10's early on, Iwan promises to bring fun to the show, which he certainly did on the launch show when he threw Ola over his back and caused her an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.

He said: "I just don't know what I was doing, but Ola is great and she is a brilliant teacher.

"I honestly can't dance but then I couldn't cook and yet I came runner-up on Celebrity Masterchef, I am just a really determined and focused individual and I really try.

"I think I am quite a fun character and I just think my saving grace will be the public because they love a bit of John Sergeant, a story, someone they see improve week on week, someone like Chris Hollis.

"I think it is too early to say which of those I will be but everyone loves a duffer who improves and I will improve - I can't get any worse."

On facing the judges he added: "I am quite anxious about what the judges might say because I am quite a sensitive bloke.

"As an athlete the stopwatch doesn't lie and it is all very black and white, but dance is much more subjective and while I might think I have done well, the judges might not. So I am going to have to take it on the chin, smile and work harder."

But no matter what criticism he may face, Iwan cannot wait for the show to start this weekend.

He said: ""There's no point in doing Strictly if you don't throw yourself into it all and embrace everything.

"I just want this to last as long as possible.

"I get on well with everyone backstage, I like to think I am the life and soul of it. Peter Andre thinks I am nuts because as soon as I get that glitter on I become Mr Camp."

But being on the biggest show on television doesn't come without sacrifices and for the Saints season ticket holder admits having to miss his "mighty Saints" when they play at home will be a "massive sacrifice".

However it will surely be worth it for the experience and he hopes that everyone in Hampshire will back their local Strictly star and keep him in for as long as possible.

He added: "I have lived in Southampton since 1995, it's where I call home now and as a local boy I need all the backing I can get so please support me."

Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight (FRI) and tomorrow.