Floored by vote but Penny bounces back

- 01 November 2007

DANCING TEAM: Penny Lancaster Stewart with partner Ian Waite

STRICTLY Come Dancing star and former Redbridge resident Penny Lancaster Stewart was back practising hard this week after a shock public vote left her in the bottom two of the TV show on Saturday night.

The wife of rock legend Rod Stewart spoke exclusively to the Recorder on Tuesday of the shock at nearly being eliminated from the celebrity talent show as she trained at the David Lloyd Centre, Roding Lane, Chigwell.

Penny, who grew up in Lord Avenue, Clayhall, and attended Parkhill Juniors, appealed for Redbridge residents to support her in the hit BBC1 show.

The 36-year-old, who works as a model and photographer, was stunned to face former gymnast Gabby Logan in a dance-off, but kept her place on the programme.

She said: "Who would have expected Gabby and I to be there? It was almost like a final. You could get two of the weakest people in the final because it's down to a public vote."

Dance partner Ian Waite, 36, added: "It's frustrating because you're training 30 hours a week and sacrificing everything and working so hard and it's almost like they think we're too good! If we did eight hours maybe we'd have more public support - it doesn't make sense!"

Penny admitted: "People have their favourites - a lot of the others are actors or singers so are in the public eye, but I don't have that advantage.

"I'm hoping people will see how much I'm enjoying it and how hard I'm working. Hopefully Essex will support me!"

After leaving Beal High School, Penny worked for 10 years as a model.

In her mid-20s, she decided to change direction by retraining as a photographer at Barking College.

She explained: "I realised I couldn't do modelling forever so I went on the two year diploma course - I was one of the older students!

"After I met Rod, I managed not to be tempted to move to LA because I wanted to finish my course. Rod came to the end of year show along with all the other boyfriends - it was quite amusing!"

Penny, who now spends most of the year in Los Angeles with her husband and their son Alastair, two, has also lived in Chigwell, Wanstead and South Woodford.

Two of her closest friends are old school friends who were bridesmaids at her wedding.

She said: "They're my biggest supporters - they make banners for their cars saying 'vote Penny'!"

HOW I MET ROD: See this week's Recorder