Bonnie mentioned she didn't really warm to me at first and I can sort of understand why. I think nerves just overtook. Every time, any audition we've had, up until these Top shows, I just would feel sick 24 hours beforehand [laughs].

I thought my chances of getting through from Top 20 were still really slim. I remember at Top 100 week, there were so many fabulous dancers. I didn't think I had that much of a great shot compared to anyone else. Getting into Top 20 was huge for me, but the first couple of weeks were a little bit torturous. I was always in the bottom, I had to swap partners all the time, and didn't quite know what I was doing wrong. I've had a completely different journey to the other three. I felt like my head was on a chopping block quite a few times. I think it was meant to be when I look back on it, because I didn't have as much exposure throughout the auditions, so Australia got to know me through my solos. I ended up gaining my exposure through Dance For Your Life, and that for me, personally, is something I'm really proud of. So I was quite pleased in the end!

I'm not an over-the-top eccentric person, I'm just myself. I think the audience has grown to love my want to do these styles perfectly. I really do apply myself. The judges keep mentioning my maturity and professionalism. So hopefully comes through a bit. I've grown a lot, even though I'm 29, and I've been around for a while. I think I'm almost peaking now instead of peaking five years ago. It's great. I've never had an issue with how people view you age-wise until I started this show – I'm the older one! Even though Demi's 28, with me it's all they talk about!

The lessons that came up for me have been overcoming fear. I thought I had nothing to lose, but I did have something to use; just reputation-wise, with what I've done over the years. If a professional that works quite a lot in the industry didn't get through then that wouldn't come across too great. But now that I have, I hope that it would give other professional dancers courage to come and try out for series two. Do it for the team – come on, you can do it!

I've also learnt that you can never stop learning. I've just had an absolute blast learning all these styles. It's been a real treat for me. I never thought I'd learn a real Rumba from Australia's best Ballroom dancer – that's just one little thing that I've learnt. I've enjoyed every minute of it and I kind of got to the point where I didn't really care what people thought 'cause I was having so much fun.

Favourite routine? My big standout is 'Fix You' with Graeme, the Contemporary. Absolutely loved it, it was a big turning point for me, and we got a lot of support from it, and a lot of people really loved it. I think it was a big turning point for both of us, as individuals and as a couple. That stands out in my mind.

I was prepared that it would be extremely hard work, if you got through each week, but actually living it and thinking it is very different. It's been completely life engulphing, but I wouldn't have it any other way. We really have danced the most you could possibly ever dance, unless you dance in your sleep. You could tell by watching the American one that these people must just rehearse and rehearse and rehearse. It's been such a positive experience for me, I've had an absolute ball and I'm so glad I entered. It's just been wonderful.

Interview by Georgia Clark