‘Strictly Come Dancing 2015' contestant Kellie Bright says show for her deceased 'nana'

Designer Julien Macdonald is seen with his "Strictly Come Dancing" dance partner Janette Manrara during an interview with Reuters after the Julien Macdonald Spring/Summer 2014 show during London Fashion Week September 14, 2013. Reuters/Olivia Harris

Kellie Bright has a personal reason why she has decided to join the new season of BBC’s dance competition show “Strictly Come Dancing.” The “EastEnders” actress says her performance at the show will be dedicated to her deceased grandmother.

According to Huffington Post, Kellie opened up about her emotional decision to join the show in the latest issue of Star Magazine. The 39-year old says her “nana” would have been very pleased with her decision to join “Strictly Come Dancing.”

“My nana Joy died recently and she’s the reason I ended up performing at all. She was the life and soul of everything, and she would have loved every second of this. I’m doing it for her,” she said, according to the report from Huffington Post.

BBC News says Kellie has also decided to join “Strictly Come Dancing” because of her age. The actress is turning 40 next year and she reportedly said she wanted to test her limits when it comes to dancing and see if her body can still take the physical challenge.

“I thought well actually at this point in my life to be the fittest I've ever been, or to certainly give it a good go, is a great thing and it will be challenging. I just want to see what my body can still do, you know what I mean, before it all goes kaput,” she said.

Kellie has the support of her “EastEnders” husband Danny Dyer, whom she’s considered as one of her best friends. She previously told Huffington Post that the 38-year old will be “championing” her throughout her performance on “Strictly Come Dancing” with her professional dance partner Kevin Clifton. Kellie likewise mentioned that Danny is also being very protective over her reputation as he is reportedly worried over the negative comments she may receive because of the show.

“He’s also quite nervous for me, and I think he feels quite protective of me, like, ‘What if they say nasty things to you in the comments?’ And I tell him, ‘It’s just like taking direction, they’re only there trying to make you better,’” the actress told Huffington Post.

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