Kent chef Gregg Wallace has admitted he lied to everybody except his mother about taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.

The MasterChef star, who lives in Seasalter, began his bid for dancefloor glory during last night's launch of the BBC1 show.

And his mother Mary Pettman told KentOnline today she believes her son has "got rhythm".

Wallace, 49, has been paired with professional dancer Aliona Vilani, with host Tess Daley describing them as "delicious partnership".

His mother Mary Pettman, who lives in the town, said: "We've danced together at weddings before and he's got rhythm. There is definitely something to work with.

"When he told me he was taking part I didn't think 'Oh Gregg, don't do it'. I thought he should go for it.

"We've danced together at weddings before and he's got rhythm. There is definitely something to work with..." - Greg Wallace's mother Mary Pettman

"He will give it everything he's got. He doesn't do things half-hearted.

"I thought he was absolutely great, I thought all the dancers were amazing.

"I'm a fan of the show especially nearer the end when the competition hots up. I think it's good innocent fun."

Wallace is competing against stars including Judy Murray, mother of tennis ace Andy, singer Pixie Lott and reality star Mark Wright for the glitterball trophy.

Writing on his website, Wallace revealed it was tough to remain tight-lipped about his decision to slip into sequins.

He wrote: "The newspapers start rumours, your mates then phone you up and you have to deny it.

"I couldn't bring myself to lie to my mum though, she knew all along.

"I am very excited about being on it. It's such a big show, but I didn't realise what hard work it was.

"It's a serious, serious workout, let me tell you. I like dancing but this isn't like dancing, this is proper."

Tipped as an outsider by bookmakers to win the contest, Wallace said dancing will take over his life until he exits the show.

He wrote: "Next week there is going to be lots of dance practice, I realise now that Strictly is going to take over my life and I am going to be dancing and prancing all week, nearly every day until I get kicked out of the competition.

"So much so that it looks like my gym sessions are going to have to disappear.

"No more weights and resistance work for a while. It's all cha-cha-cha and salsa."