Strictly’s Jacqui Smith is reminiscent of Hi-de-Hi! star Su Pollard

She’s gone from the corridors of power to the drama of the Strictly dance floor.

Now, as she steps out in a leopard-print jacket with bright purple and pink sportswear, Jacqui Smith seems to have transformed herself yet again. 

In fact, her look topped off with an oversized bandana was strangely reminiscent of another colourfully dressed entertainer… Su Pollard, 70.

One of the Hi-de-Hi! star’s outlandish outfits has paired purple and green trousers with a top showing the Eiffel Tower finished off by a leather choker with metal spikes.

Jacqui, 57, appeared in her own eye-catching attire after a gruelling training session with dance partner Anton Du Beke ahead of their first live show tomorrow.

The former Labour home secretary has described him as ‘gorgeous’ and her affection was clear as they embraced before parting.

But despite their apparent closeness, Jacqui insisted she would not be falling victim to the notorious ‘Strictly curse’ in which contestants, including Seann Walsh, cheated with their dance partners.

She has revealed she is in a new relationship after separating in January from Richard Timney, her husband of 33 years.

‘I won’t have it said that Anton is not gorgeous,’ added Jacqui. ‘But he is happily married and I am in a newish, but lovely, relationship. Trust us, there will be no Strictly curse.’

She and Anton, 54, the father of three-year-old twins, were carrying canes and a box of hats.

The props could feature when they dance the foxtrot tomorrow evening after first pairing up for the launch show on BBC1 last Saturday.

Jacqui, the mother of two grown-up sons, also said she had tried online dating but it was not really her thing.

‘I don’t think it’s that easy to meet a new partner after being happily married for 30 years,’ she added.

‘I don’t like to be a dinosaur so I did do some online dating and met some very lovely people. But they had all worked out who I was before I met them.’