Nancy Dell'Olio has Strictly Come Dancing stiletto strop

'Strictly Come Dancing' star Nancy Dell'Olio was left angry after being banned from wearing her favourite six-inch stilettos.

The fiery Italian - ex-girlfriend of former England football manager Sven Goran Eriksson - wanted to don her £600 Christian Louboutin heels to practice her dance routines with professional partner Anton Du Beke but they were deemed "too dangerous" under BBC health and safety rules.

So instead, she was provided with two-inch heels but the 50-year-old star claimed they were "tiny" and refused to wear them.

According to the Daily Star newspaper, she eventually agreed to wear four-inch stilettos as a compromise.

Meanwhile, Nancy's fellow contestant Lulu is apparently not happy with her professional partner Brendan Cole - because he's too strict with her.

The 62-year-old singer didn't want to be paired with harsh-talking Kiwi because he has been tough on his partners in the past.

An insider said: "She's been telling people - including Brendan - at rehearsals that she didn't really want him. Brendan has a reputation for being really strict with dance partners and a hard task-master. She wanted someone who'd be softer with her."

However, Brendan thinks they'll be fine together once Lulu gets over her initial concerns.

He said: "Once we get over the initial shock, I'm sure it'll be fine."