TV presenter Zoe Ball has proved that her ladette days are well and truly behind her after wowing judges with her grace and elegance in the second round of a dancing competition.

Wearing sweeping ballgowns, killer heels, lashings of make-up, glossy blonde hair extensions and more than a hint of a fake tan the ex-Radio 1 DJ has won over an army of supporters with her efforts in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Together with dance partner Ian Waite, Zoe scored the highest mark out of 12 celebrity participants in the first week of the competition and finished a close second on Saturday.

Judge Arlene Phillips said of Zoe's first appearance in a striking red ballgown dancing the waltz: "It was astounding. That little beach donkey has turned into a gazelle!"

On Saturday Zoe, 35, who lives in Hove with husband Norman Cook, aka DJ Fatboy Slim, and four-year-old son Woody, danced the rumba.

Judge Bruno Tonioli said: "What a glamourpuss you've turned out to be. There was a tiny mistake but the rest was perfect."

This is a far cry from the leggy blonde's previous laddish behaviour on Saturday morning TV show Live and Kicking and the Radio 1 breakfast show and even in rehearsals Zoe didn't think she could make the transition. At one point she stood with her head in hands and said: "Oh my God I'm going to be awful.

"I feel like I am the wrong shape. I look more like I am the man. I look like a rugby player."

In an interview for the show she said: "I am very clumsy. I fall over quite a lot. I've never been known for being particularly graceful."

But it seems Zoe has proved even herself wrong with her performances and is a strong contender to win this series.

Fellow Brighton and Hove resident Patsy Palmer is also taking part in the competition. And after a nervous start she fared much better in the second week.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood said: "Who ever knew you had such beautiful legs. They got through it. I loved the drama of it."

Celebrities taking part include Gloria Hunniford, athlete Colin Jackson and chef James Martin.