Danny Mac Reveals 'Strictly Come Dancing' Has Triggered 'Exhausting' Panic Attacks

Danny Mac might look seriously confident on the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ dancefloor, but the actor has revealed that he actually suffers from crippling panic attacks before each show.

The former ‘Hollyoaks’ star admits the anxiety he’s been experiencing has been keeping him awake at night.

“I’ve had anxiety attacks,” he told The Mirror. “I’ve panicked like I have never panicked in my life.

“It’s strange to be woken up in the middle of the night. It’s going through my head all the time. It’s exhausting.

“You start to think 10 million people are watching. You’d never get that even in the biggest arena in the world. So you’re very aware of how big it is.”

The 28-year-old, who is hot favourite to raise the glitterball trophy this year, also admits that the 11 hours of training each day takes its toll on his body, but he’s taken to having daily ice baths to help him recover.

“It has helped my muscles because they do take a battering,” he explains. “I’m doing whatever I can to prevent injury.”

“Everyone has had their fair share of drama when it comes to injuries. Luckily I have been OK so far.”

Danny adds that despite the long hours and panic attacks, his ‘Strictly’ experience has been one of the best things he’s ever done.

“I’m loving it,” he says. “It’s probably one of the most enjoyable things I have done in my life, one of the greatest experiences.

“I’ve been dreaming of being able to dance like this since I was a kid – but it’s only ever been an idea in my head.”

Last weekend’s ‘Strictly’ saw Danny score his second perfect 40, with a stunning tribal-inspired salsa routine.

It marked the first time in the show’s history that a salsa had been awarded top marks by all four judges.

Even Craig Revel Horwood complimented Danny’s moves, saying, “We never get that hip action from a male celebrity.”