ALDERLEY Edge's Peter Schmeichel has waltzed his way into the next round of the new TV series of Strictly Come Dancing.

And Wilmslow dance instructor, Michelle Fotherby of Dance Fever who has taught Peter's wife and daughter, is impressed by his performance so far.

She commented: "I thought he did really well in the first week with the waltz, but I thought he struggled a bit this week.

"But he's got a good following and all our members are voting for him. He's our local hero.

"And if he needs any practice, he knows where to come!"

Although Peter, 42, and professional dance partner Erin Boag have impressed the judges and viewers alike with their smooth moves, the legendary Manchester United goalkeeper admits he took some persuasion to take part.

At six feet and four inches tall, the 'Great Dane' says he has never danced in his life and one of the only times he did was on an early date with his wife - to Eye Of The Tiger!

He said: "I was always the one who tried to avoid dancing.

"I'm a big fellow; I don't feel comfortable on a dance floor."

But after attending a charity football match and themed Strictly Come Dancing party, he enjoyed it so much he decided he was up for the challenge.

He commented: "It made me realise how fit you need to be.

"I've been looking for new ways to keep fit and learning to dance could be useful - it's working me hard!"

And the fact it's a competition motivates him even more.

"I'm the kind of person that always needs a challenge and I need to be able to throw myself in at the deep end."

Born in the Danish town of Gladsaxe, his father was a well-known pianist, so Peter is hoping he's inherited his sense of rhythm to turn him from goalkeeper to graceful ballroom dancer.

"I wish I could put my talent for football into this competition", he comments.

"If I could do that, I might have a chance of winning.

"As it is, I'm just going to try and stretch the experience as far as I can and learn as much as I can."

And his wife Bente is said to be delighted he is learning to dance as she's been trying to get him to strut his stuff on the dance floor.

She added: "For years I've tried to persuade him to go salsa dancing with me, so maybe after this we can take it up together."

And the show is definitely having a positive effect on dancing across the district.

Michelle added: "There's definitely a revival with people of all ages taking up ballroom and Latin American.

"All our numbers are up and ballroom and Latin American have taken over from salsa."