Ben Cohen

Ben Cohen

Ben Cohen has been branded a "t*t" by his rugby pals for going on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

The ex-England star has received plenty of ribbing after signing up for the BBC One show but admits his former international team mates Matt Dawson and Austin Healey - who previously starred in 'Strictly' - have been giving him plenty of helpful advice.

He told BANG Showbiz: "I've got quite a few texts from the rugby guys. They have been filtering their way through, some like, 'You t*t! What the ...'

"Some have been very supportive, though, actually and I've had a couple of texts from Matt Dawson and Austin Healey.

"They were really good and said, 'It's an amazing experience, enjoy the journey and embrace it.' And that's what I intend to do and when I decided to sign up for it it's all about enjoying it and learning a new skill set.

"The one thing they did say was that it is incredibly hard work. I didn't come into it with the blinkers on, I did my research first.

"So I'm going to expect the unexpected."

While Ben can't wait to get stuck into the dancing, he was shocked just how tough the first few days of training were.

He added: "The first two days of rehearsals I was like a rabbit in the headlights. I thought, 'Holy s**t, what have I let myself in for here?'

"But it's going to be good and I'm going to enjoy the journey."

'Strictly Come Dancing' returns on BBC One tonight (07.09.13) at 6:50pm on BBC One.

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