In a refreshingly candid confession that’s got everyone talking this Christmas Eve, All Saints icon Melanie Blatt has spilled the beans on her experience filming the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special – admitting she felt ‘deeply uncomfortable’ throughout the entire process.

The 50-year-old singer, who shot to fame in the 90s with smash hits like Never Ever and Pure Shores, didn’t hold back during a chat on ITV’s Lorraine, revealing that stepping onto the famous ballroom floor was like nothing she’d ever done before.

Paired with hunky pro dancer Kai Widdrington, 30, Melanie will be gliding through an American Smooth to Santa Baby by The Pussycat Dolls in the festive extravaganza airing tomorrow – but getting there was no easy ride.

‘I was deeply uncomfortable throughout it,’ Melanie told stand-in host Christine Lampard, 46, with a wry smile. ‘But it was an amazing experience. You know, I am up for challenges. That is my number one thing that I say to myself every morning – “You need to challenge yourself”. I really did that.’

And challenge herself she did! The mum-of-one confessed that even her years of girl band choreography – where the All Saints ladies famously ‘plodded around’ in baggy combats and crop tops – didn’t prepare her for the precision of ballroom.

‘We did do choreography in All Saints, but it was a very different sort of choreography,’ she laughed. ‘We just plodded around for years! Whereas now I’ve got to have my shoulders back, and a proper frame, which is the complete opposite.’

But the real kicker? The outfits.

‘The main thing that I’ve had to overcome is the outfit side of things,’ Melanie revealed to the BBC ahead of the show. ‘I’m not a dress wearer, but I’ll be wearing a long flowy dress for this. I’m very particular about the shapes and the things that I wear. So that’s been quite challenging, but it’s good to be challenged. And it’s made me realise to just go for it and not care so much.’

Despite the discomfort, Melanie was full of praise for her partner Kai and the entire pro team.

‘He was amazing,’ she gushed. ‘Everybody on that show, the pro dancers, I was just in awe of all of them. You know they are spectacular but it’s not until you try to dance like them, how inadequate I am, and how extra amazing they are. The bounce, how do you jump like that?!’

Christine Lampard couldn’t hide her surprise, pointing out Melanie’s extensive stage experience: ‘You’re used to being on stage… but this, Strictly, is the most nervous you have ever been?’

Melanie nodded emphatically – yes, even more than performing to sold-out arenas in her heyday.

From 90s girl power to ballroom glitter: Melanie’s incredible journey

Melanie Blatt burst onto the scene in 1997 as one-quarter of All Saints alongside Nicole Appleton, Natalie Appleton and Shaznay Lewis.

The group became 90s icons with their cool-girl attitude, five number-one singles and over 12 million records sold worldwide.

Hits like Never Ever (which spent weeks at the top of the charts), Bootie Call, Pure Shores (from the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach) and Black Coffee defined a generation.

But behind the glamour, life wasn’t always easy. Melanie became a mum at 24 to daughter Lilyella (now 27) with ex-Jamiroquai bassist Stuart Zender, and has spoken openly about the pressures of fame.

All Saints split in 2001, reformed in 2006, split again, then came back for good in 2014 – proving their staying power.

These days, Melanie keeps a relatively low profile, occasionally DJing and appearing on TV panels, but she’s never shied away from a challenge.

Signing up for Strictly’s Christmas special – her first ever dance competition – was the ultimate test.

The star-studded Christmas lineup: Who else is battling for the Silver Glitterball?

Melanie isn’t the only famous face braving the ballroom this festive season.

The pre-recorded special, which airs on Christmas Day at 5:30pm on BBC One, features six celebrities all vying for the coveted Silver Glitterball Trophy – with the studio audience deciding the winner.

• Scarlett Moffatt, 35, the former Gogglebox star turned presenter, is paired with Vito Coppola, 33, for a Cha Cha Cha to Cher’s DJ Play A Christmas Song.
• Jodie Ounsley, 24, the fierce Gladiators star known as Fury (who tragically lost her dad earlier this month), dances a Street/Commercial routine with Neil Jones, 43, to Kylie Cantrall’s Red Christmas.
• Nicholas Bailey, 54, the EastEnders legend (remember Doctor Trueman?), performs a Viennese Waltz with Luba Mushtuk, 36, to Andy Williams’ It’s The Most Wonderful Time.
• Brian McFadden, 45, the ex-Westlife singer, jives with Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, to Kelly Clarkson’s Run Rudolph Run.
• Babatunde Aléshé, 39, the hilarious comedian from I’m A Celebrity, charlestons with Nancy Xu, 34, to Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters’ Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke will be dishing out their festive feedback, while the show marks the emotional final appearance of beloved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The duo received tear-jerking tributes in the main series final last week, including a message from Queen Camilla – and this special is packed with surprises, like Tess finally getting her own dance with Aljaž Škorjanec.

Fans react: ‘She’s so relatable!’

Melanie’s honest interview has struck a chord with viewers, who flooded social media with support.

‘Love Melanie Blatt being so real about Strictly – not everyone finds it easy!’ one fan wrote.

Another added: ‘She’s 50 and pushing herself out of her comfort zone – queen behaviour!’

Some even joked: ‘If Mel B from Spice Girls did Strictly and loved it, but Melanie B from All Saints found it uncomfortable – the universe is balanced.’

Why Melanie’s verdict matters in a glittery world of perfection

In an era where celebrities often gush about how ‘life-changing’ and ‘magical’ Strictly is, Melanie’s refreshing honesty stands out.

She’s not slamming the show – far from it – but admitting that the sparkle comes with sweat, nerves and a whole lot of stepping outside your comfort zone.

As she prepares to twirl under the ballroom lights tomorrow, one thing’s for sure: Melanie Blatt is doing it her way – plodding, bouncing, long dress and all.

And we’ll all be watching, cheering her on.

Tune in to the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special on BBC One, Christmas Day at 5:30pm.