Flavia Cacace

In 2011 Flavia was credited with bringing out Russell Grant's 'inner-diva', taking the former astrologer to week eight's Wembley spectacular, where he was shot out of a cannon across Strictly's biggest ever dancefloor.

Flavia was born in Naples in southern Italy, but moved to Guildford in Surrey with her family when she was four. Her mum Rosaria is a housewife, and her father Roberto is a retired chef.

She started dancing at the age of 6 when she attended Saturday classes at a dance studio in Guildford. Flavia took to dancing extremely quickly, and began to take the junior medals (known as rosettes). At the age of 12, one of the teachers suggested that Flavia take part in competitions rather than continue with medals.

Several years later, Flavia met Vincent Simone (who had come over to England to find a partner), by pure coincidence as they were both having lessons from the same teacher.

Flavia and Vincent have been extremely successful on the competition circuit since starting to dance together thirteen years ago. They performed in places such as Singapore, Canada and Japan, before turning professional.

Trivia

Other than her passion for dance, Flavia enjoys going to the gym; "It gives me energy."

One little known fact about Flavia is that she can also play the violin!

Her professional partner is fellow Strictly dancer Vincent Simone. They have been dancing together for 13 years and turned professional in 2001.

Flavia's speciality is the Argentine Tango.