A Strictly Come Dancing champion who danced with Alesha Dixon is bringing Zumba classes to Carshalton.

Matthew Cutler a former world amateur Latin-American champion turned his hand to the Columbian dance routine to keep him in shape.

The professional dancer won Strictly Come Dancing with Mis-Teeq singer Alesha Dixon in 2007 as well as dancing with other stars including Carol Smillie, Denise Lewis and Christine Bleakley.

Cutler says: "From the first [Zumba] class I went to I was hooked, it’s the only fitness program I have ever managed to stick to. 

"People who come to our classes can expect an hour of fun - the music we use is very upbeat and just makes you want to move. 

"The great thing about Zumba is you don’t have to be a dancer or have any previous experience.  The step patterns are easy to follow and nothing is too complicated.

"As long as you can move and smile at the same time you can Zumba.

"It really is a calorie burning exercise but also great for toning up.  We find that once people start getting fitter and toning up they get a lot more confident - and the bonus is you have a fun time doing it."

Cutler promises to bring his Strictly glitterball along to the first class for everyone to see and adds: "As Enrico and myself are both from Latin dance backgrounds we most definitely bring an element of that to our classes, so there will definitely be a bit of strictly style showing for sure.

"Strictly was an amazing time in my career and the highlight of course was winning the strictly trophy with the lovely Alesha Dixon - she was such a hard worker and it was great to see her really embrace the spirit of Latin and Ballroom and do so well."

Cutler admits that he is the comedian in the classes and likes to make sure everyone has fun.

People attending the first class will receive a signed Matthew Cutler brochure and there will also be a chance to win an hour’s Latin and Ballroom lesson with Matthew.

Mr Cutler and his business partner, professional dancer Enrico Stey, will be at Carshalton High School for girls every Wednesday night for an hour from November 28.

Zumba Fitness; Wednesdays, Carshalton High School for Girls, West Street, Carshalton; 8-9pm, £6 per class, first class is £3, call 079 49 606 397, or visit maticodancestudio.co.uk.