Strictly star told to 'change how she looks' in shocking moment years before show

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two presenter Fleur East opened up about being told to 'change her appearance' years before her television career began

Fleur East, host of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, has previously spoken about being pressured to alter her appearance before she became famous. After finishing as runner-up on The X Factor in 2014, Fleur has had a successful career in singing and presenting.

However, she has previously discussed being told to 'change' her distinctive curly hair. In a 2020 interview with HELLO!, she spoke about her experiences as a woman of colour starting out in the entertainment industry, saying: "When I went into The X Factor, one thing that I really didn't want to compromise on was my hair."

This sentiment continued during her time on I'm A Celebrity four years later, when people questioned whether she would braid her hair, suggesting she couldn't wear her afro down in the jungle. Fleur then went on to talk about parents thanking her for embracing her natural hair, providing their children with a role model, reports OK!.

"But I wanted to have it out and wear it proudly. I've been to shows where backstage I've met young black and mixed race kids whose parents have said, 'Thank you so much Fleur, for wearing your hair proudly and for speaking about your culture and your roots. Because my child has someone to look up to.' And that is so important," she shared.

In her early career, Sax singer Fleur had a less than positive experience. She revealed that she was part of a group before The X Factor where she was instructed to straighten her hair. The star also shared that she was told she 'wouldn't be able to sell if she had her natural hair.'

Earlier this year, Fleur and her sister Keisha launched an innovative haircare brand called Kurl Kitchen. The brand offers products they wished they had while growing up in east London. The sisters were thrilled to launch their brand in the UK, with the aim to 'redefine' beauty for those with curly hair.

At the time of the launch, the duo stated: "We're excited to bring Kurl Kitchen to the UK, where we're redefining beauty with a range carefully formulated in Ghana, using ingredients straight from the heart of African kitchens."

"The range is ethically sourced and specially created for coily, curly and wavy hair types. We're bringing A-beauty to the forefront of hair care. From our roots to yours."

Fleur, who married Marcel Badiane-Robin in 2019, wore her curls on her wedding day. She hopes that she and Keisha can set a strong example for her daughter, Nova. "I remember on my wedding day I had my curls out and now I'm so happy that Nova can look back on our wedding pictures and see that. I feel like me and Keshia can be a strong example for her," she told HELLO!