Russell Grant stars as he dances into Wizard spell

But as Grant, 61, put his new-found dancing skills to use with his debut in The Wizard of Oz, the fiery Italian lawyer turned champion fan.

Joined by Aliona Vilani, who partnered McFly's Harry Judd to Strictly victory, Dell'Olio only had eyes for the cheery astrologer as she shunned conventional Valentine's romance to support his return to the stage of the Palladium after 34 years.

After the show she declared it was an "ideal" way to spend February 14. "A meal with Russell and a fantastic show is absolutely the best way to spend Valentine's Day," she said. And the 50-year-old, whose previous suitors have included football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and theatre director Trevor Nunn, added: "I've had too many
Valentines for one life. It's more important to spend the day how you want to do it."

Grant won a legion of fans with his brave, if inept, performances on the TV show. And that was what persuaded Andrew Lloyd Webber to ask him if he would take over from Michael Crawford as he completed a year in the role of the Wizard.

He initially declined. "My big concern, the worry was that I would be shoehorned into a Wizard that was Michael Crawford's Wizard and you cannot be like someone who is unique, someone who is so innovative," he said.

"Why would you want to do that? To follow in the footsteps of Michael Crawford is daunting because he's a legend. But Andrew convinced me."

The composer, who had already written new numbers for the production, created more elements specially for Grant including adding Charleston and samba moves to the number Welcome to the Land of Oz.

"So I'm using my new-found skills," Grant said.

The breakfast TV star, who was an actor early in his career, last appeared in a big West End show 34 years ago in the company of Hans Christian Anderson with Tommy Steele at the Palladium.

But he said he would never have had his chance as the leading man without the television talent show. "I owe it all to Strictly and I owe it all to the BBC. I wouldn't be here otherwise."

Dell'Olio and Vilani were enjoying a break from the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour. The Italian described the last year as "like a gap year" and revealed she was still considering a £250,000 offer to appear for a Playboy shoot.