Strictly stars have positive spin for area

Strictly Come Dancing stars Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova have been wowing audiences with routines from across the world

– but the pair today revealed they honed their skills in the Black Country.

The married couple, who are partners off the stage as well as on, are currently enjoying a three night stint at Birmingham's Symphony Hall.

They are performing their own show Latin Fever – its first time outside London – before work begins again on the popular television series next week.

While the moves were inspired by the streets of Brazil, the bullrings of Spain and the vibrant styles of Latin American, it was at a dance school in Wednesbury town centre where the duo made regular trips for lessons.

Sheffield-born Darren spent years travelling down to Sandwell from the age of 13 for weekly lessons at Wednesbury Dance Centre with renowned teacher Joan Knight.

Darren, now 32, continued to attend the Market Place dance school along with Russian-born partner Lilia when the pair started competing together in 1997 and they made regular trips to the Midlands to get expert tips from Joan and her husband John until they stopped competition dancing two years ago.

The couple admit living and working together can sometimes show its strains, but insist they are professional enough to not let any lovers' tiffs ruin their work. "Sometimes we argue, sometimes we argue a lot," said Lilia. "As a professional you go out and smile and everything is fine and you discuss it afterwards."

The popular BBC series has been dogged by accusations of ageism in recent weeks after it emerged 39-year-old Karen Hardy would not be returning as a dancer while 66-year-old judge Arlene Phillips is being replaced by 30-year-old former winner and pop star Alesha Dixon.

But Darren and Lilia insist the changes have nothing to do with ageism.

"Camilla (Dallerup) as well decided she'd had enough and no longer wanted to do it but no-one's talking about that because she is younger."

Latin Fever runs tonight and tomorrow at the Symphony Hall. Tickets cost £15 to £32.50. Call 0121 7803333.