Mark Foster's blog by Mark_Foster

Happy New Year everyone. Well Christmas and the run up to it was pretty hectic. My Christmas really started with a visit to the Jersey Boys... again!!! And this time it was the Xmas Party for the cast. It really is a great show and I recommend that everyone should get to see it. The singing and the songs are just awesome (for those of you who don't know, it's the music and story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons). It was a very good night and I sat next to Alistair Campbell and his partner Fiona Millar and their children (I think). Apparently Alistair is a real fan of the show and has been about 5 times. And some of the guys from Strictly Come Dancing were there. The wonderful Natalie Lowe was there (who is going to be my dancing partner on the Strictly Tour) along with Robin Windsor, so it was great to catch up with them. And Nancy Dell'Olio and a whole bunch of us went to the after show party at the Trafalgar Hotel Roof Garden.

It was a great night, but I couldn't stay out late as I was talking to the British Airways managers the next day. So I was up bright and early to get to the airport and do my gig. It was great fun and a big thanks to everyone who made sure I was in the right place at the right time!! The day after I went to the Sports Personality of the Year show in Manchester and caught up with old mates and I hope made some new ones, in the form of Robbie Savage who will be on the Strictly Come Dancing Tour. I did a sketch with Miranda Hart, which was very funny. I also chatted to Phil "the Power" Taylor, who is a lovely man. Jane Torvill and Karen Barber from Dancing on Ice were also there, an appearance next year perhaps?? Three words "Bambi On Ice".

So that was it for work. I shut up shop and Christmas got started. I went to visit my dad and stepmum Sue for lunch on Christmas Eve. It was great to see him looking so well with such enthusiasm for life and hearing about all their plans for the coming year (a 7 month world trip is on the cards!) They have so much energy and interest in life. I really hope I have the same energy when I get to his age. But I must see him more as he says that he only knows what I am up to by reading my blog! I also caught up with my stepsister, Beany which was really nice as she has a great sense of humour and we haven't talked in a while. Then it was on to my sister Claire for dinner with my nephew Oscar, my Mum, other sister Kate and hubby, Quiffy (don't ask) and other family friends. It was a lovely night and Oscar was getting so excited about Santa coming, he almost had me believing it!

We had to put down milk and carrots for the reindeer and the next morning we even had to take bites out of the carrot so it would seem like the reindeer had really been. I took mum and a bunch of us to Midnight Mass as it's still a great way to start Xmas even if you don't believe it all. I blasted out a few tunes, so sorry if I hurt anyone’s ears. Xmas morning was eggs and smoked salmon for breakfast and presents! (And so much excitement from Oscar, that he didn't know where to turn). Christmas dinner was superb and considering my sister does not do cooking, I have to take my hat off to her as she cooked up a storm. Well done Claire - a great job.

On Boxing Day I went off to friends in St Neots and spent the day playing games and messing with the dog. A great meal and wonderful hospitality so big thanks to Vincent for making the day. I had a half thought to go off to the States for the New Year, but figured I should start preparing for the Strictly tour. So I arranged to meet with the lovely Natalie Lowe and get my head into gear about learning the new dances. She was fantastic and very reassuring so I have a least got a better idea of what I'm meant to be doing in front of all those people. New Year was spent down in Selsey, quietly! I drove down after the Arsenal v QPR game ( good result boys) and just saw the New Year in with Jools Holland and a few glasses. I was tucked up in bed by 1am.

The next few days were quiet and really relaxing, reading, watching movies and one day we had brilliant sunshine so I walked along the beach to get the papers and sat and drank coffee and just stared out to sea. What bliss! But that was it. It is now the New Year ... Strictly Rehearsals start in earnest this week and my feet won't touch the floor for two months (excuse the pun!) I hope you all had a good break and now it’s 2012 - the Olympic Year!!!! Bring it on.