Mark Benton is dreaming dance steps.

The Northern actor, who has appeared in TV shows including Waterloo Road, is one of nine celebrities left in this year's series of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

But it was almost the end of the road last week, when his rumba to Goldfinger with partner Iveta Lukosiutee (pictured below) saw him finish in the bottom two alongside Hairy Biker Dave Myers.

He was saved by judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood, but is determined to come back with a bang this week.

Mark said: "At the moment I rehearse every hour, then maybe go and film It Takes Two [BBC companion show], then rehearse again, then have 10 seconds of sleep and dream about dance moves, then rehearse some more.

"We will do a jive this week. I'm a bit nervous because jive is really fast and really kicky and bouncy, but I will do my best. I found rumba really difficult but I gave it 100% so I had no regrets."

Mark, who is practicing with Iveta at a studio in Ashford, admits that it was particularly hard to be up against fellow Northerner Dave in the dance-off, as the pair have become good friends during the series.

He said: "It was upsetting as I'm very fond of Dave and we both had a tough week. It was sad but he is going to be back, we are going to have fun on the last show together.

"It sounds a bit sick-making but we are all good friends. I know it's a competition but you don't feel in competition with other people, you feel in competition with yourself as you want to do your best."

And Mark's hard work has paid off, seeing him come further in the show than he ever imagined, one of nine celebrities from the original 15.

"My goal was to get past week two, so I have far exceeded what I thought I would do. I never entered the competition to win, I entered to do the best I can and hopefully entertain people and learn to dance a bit. For me it is about putting a smile on people's faces."

This week's show will be broadcast live from Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom, but Mark is remaining relaxed about performing in the world famous venue.

He said: "I just want to enjoy myself. There is pressure every week. I hope Blackpool will just be a party atmosphere. Hopefully this is going to be a good fun one, and I will be back to having a smile on my face."

Strictly Come Dancing will be shown on BBC One at 6.30pm, on Saturday, November 16.