Darcey Bussell: I want to be a more hands-on Strictly Come Dancing judge

Strictly judge Darcey Bussell (Rex Features)

Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell has told how she finds it frustrating to be stuck behind the judges' desk and she would prefer to be more "hands-on" as a judge.

The former ballerina also says in an interview with Hello! magazine that contrary to some reports, she has still to sign for a further series, but is keen to do so.

In a photoshoot for the magazine she is transformed from a dancing queen to a snow queen ahead of the final of the BBC1 show on Saturday.

Bussell, 43, said she has been enjoying a "fabulous" time on the dance hit but even though she has become renowned for giving constructive tips to the dancers since joining the show, she wishes she could do more to help.

"There is so much I can say from my own experience," she said. "But it's being able to get it out quick and sharp. I would do it in a much friendlier, hands-on sort of way, so it's very odd sitting behind a desk."

The mother-of-two uprooted her family from Australia, where she had settled after her dancing career ended, to join the TV show. And she said she had to think about every detail before agreeing to sign up.

"I didn't want to say yes and then go 'hang on a minute' - I wanted to make sure I hadn't forgotten about every single detail that goes into being in live television.

"It's very daunting. I've been on stage and done lots of live shows, but I've never had to open my mouth."

She said she was hoping to see snow this year to help take her children's minds off what they may be missing Down Under.

"Hopefully it'll snow and the kids won't miss the barbecue on the beach. I never imagined I'd be a presenter on television, but I'm happy to put myself out of my comfort zone. I'm really very happy," she added.

:: The full interview is in the new edition of Hello! magazine, which is out now.