“In a way, I think maybe that’s been the biggest success for me. It’s got men talking about dancing again. They must think if I can do it, anyone can. If I could go back in time, I’d have started dancing years ago. I think to myself ‘Why didn’t I do this when was a teenager?’. It keeps you fit, it’s great fun, and you get to dance with so many beautiful women.

“What was I doing wasting my time playing cricket and football when I could have been meeting girls? I’ve wasted 38 years.”

Chris was born into a sporting family. His father is John Hollins MBE, the former Chelsea, Arsenal, QPR and England footballer.

His uncle David was a goalkeeper and played for Newcastle United as well as Wales, winning 11 caps.

“I always thought that sport was tough,” he says. “And then I started dancing. Ola is tougher than any sportsman. There’d be days when I’d dropped her three times and she’d pick herself up and tell me to try it again. That’s bravery.”

Chris was the competition’s underdog, coming up against Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle in the final.

“If you were to ask me who the best dancer of 2009 was, well, it certainly wasn’t me,” says Chris. “Ricky is a wonderful dancer and has become a good friend – they all have. It wasn’t about winning.

“Obviously I was thrilled for little Ola chops. She’s been an absolute belter and I was so pleased that she got to win the trophy. But that was it, I may have been entertaining, but it was her who won the thing.

“There’s a lot of determination in that little package, and I’m immensely proud of her.”

STRICTLY Come Dancing Live, Echo Arena Liverpool, January 18 and 19. Tickets on 0844 800 3680.