Brendan Cole is out of breath. He has just stepped out of a rehearsal for his new show to answer the phone, and I sense a flicker of impatience in his voice.

Since this is the man labelled the bad boy of Strictly Come Dancing, I brace myself for a prickly chat. Thankfully, he turns out to be friendly, polite and charming.

“You’ve caught me literally on the hop,” he says. “It’s all pretty full-on right now, but visually the show’s going to be a spectacle.”

He threw himself into rehearsals for new show Licence To Thrill just after last autumn’s series of Strictly, in which he was partnered with Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton.

“It’s been a ridiculously quick turnaround,” he says.

“Strictly is all-consuming and your mind is completely focussed on looking after your partner and getting ready for the Saturday shows each week.

“Of course it was disappointing to leave, I always hope we’ll go further, but I’m glad Victoria was able to dance at Wembley which was such a buzz.

“Now it’s all about Licence To Thrill, which is going to be a blast. It’s full of drama, passion, fantastic music and dancing, and fun.”

The show blends Ballroom and Latin, featuring music from across the decades, and includes a tribute to James Bond.

“I wanted a sophisticated show with dance, music and chat. It has that old Hollywood magic, with lots of costume changes. It’s pretty epic, with tuxedos and a classy feel, and it all kept going back to Bond,” says Brendan. “One of my favourite numbers is a ‘cape-off’ between the male dancers to Live And Let Die, and we’ve got a routine to Gladys Knight’s Licence To Kill too.”

The show, performed by Brendan and his 20-strong company of dancers - including his brother, Scott - and musicians, features the serenity of waltzes, foxtrots, quicksteps, tangos and American Smooths, and the vibrant beats of cha cha, samba, salsa and jive.

“Everyone has favourite dances from Strictly so I like to include all dance styles so no-one goes home disappointed,” says Brendan. “There’s music to suit everyone, from Nat King Cole to Kylie Minogue to Michael Buble. Dancing to a live band is special and enhances the whole show.

“I'm lucky to have a cast that have been in Dancing With The Stars of France, Australia and Mexico, as well as stars from the Broadway hit Burn The Floor.”

Thanks to Strictly, clod-hoppers who’d never have dreamed of dancing in public are jiving across the nation. Does Brendan believe anyone can learn to dance?

“I used to believe that, but having tried to teach some of the partners I’ve had on Strictly I’m not so sure anymore!” he laughs.

“Anyone can learn the basics, but the performance is something else. I’m just pleased Strictly has got people into dancing – anything that gets people more active has to be a good thing.

“When I was growing up in New Zealand it wasn’t really the done thing for boys to take up ballroom, and I was pretty reluctant at first. But there isn’t that stigma now. Boys see guys like us on TV and know that it’s okay to dance.”

Brendan Cole: Licence To Thrill is at St George’s Hall on Saturday, February 2. For tickets ring (01274) 432000.