Imagine turning up to a first date and seeing Robbie Williams there. It happened to dancer Nikki Wheeler, who talks with VICTORIA TAGG.

When Nikki Wheeler went on her first date with Jonathan Wilkes, she was stunned because Robbie Williams turned up. But now the Nikki and Jonny are happily married, she is more than used to the superstar's company and they love each other to bits.

Nikki, 27, said: "When anyone meets Robbie, they instantly fall for his charisma. He's such a great guy, the three of us are inseparable."

Only the other week Nikki was whisked off in Robbie's private jet to watch Jonny play in a celebrity football match. Jonny, 26, Robbie's best mate, scored a goal and the crowds went wild but the loudest cheers came from Nikki and Robbie.

She said: "I couldn't believe it. The atmosphere was fantastic and we were screaming like crazy.

"Jonny and Robbie are both mad on football. They've even got me hooked. I'm now a big Manchester United fan."

But dancing is Nikki's real passion. Last year her dream came true when she was picked to be one of Robbie's backing dancers.

Performing to crowds of 125,000 at his mega-shows across the world was an amazing leap from her nights on stage at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre in shows like Mother Goose.

She said: "It was the best but hardest experience of my life. We rehearsed solidly for six weeks from 9am until 6pm in the Pineapple Studios in London.

"The tour was a complete whirlwind. Our feet didn't touch the ground. We just danced, ate, then went to bed on autopilot. It was awesome.

"When I watch the shows on DVD I still can't believe I was part of it all."

Modest at heart, Nikki didn't fancy her chances of being chosen. But she went along to the auditions because her friends convinced her there was nothing to lose. She said: "The audition lasted five hours and all the girls were stunning. I was astounded when one of the judges asked: 'Who's the girl in blue?' It was me!"

Whittled down to 10 finalists, Nikki was one of them. Robbie then called the shots for the lucky two who would complete his six-strong troupe.

As ever, he played the fool.

Nikki said: "I remember the phone call so clearly. He said: 'Hi Nik. It's Robbie here. You auditioned for me didn't you?' He sounded very serious and after an awkward pause said: 'Do you know what? You got the job!'

"I was speechless. Nothing beats the feeling of being told you've got the job of your wildest dreams."

And there was plenty more drama in store. Before the tour kicked off in Edinburgh, Nikki injured her groin and looked set to miss the first show.

She said: "I was in agony but couldn't bear the thought ducking out. Fortunately doctors gave me some painkillers and they worked like magic.

"As soon as I stepped on stage, the adrenalin alone kept me going."

Nikki's parents, Phil, 56, and Pat, 54, and grandmother, Connie, 75 watched her in action at the Knebworth concert in August last year.

They even joined Robbie for lunch after the performance.

Having known each other for six years, Nikki is used to rubbing shoulders with celebrities and takes it all in her stride.

She said: "I'm not really interested in stealing the limelight. We may go to the odd premiere but prefer hanging out at home."

The unlikely friendship began in London after Jonny, then a TV news presenter, asked her out on a date.

She said: "I was in a band called Toutes Les Filles and Jonny had interviewed us. I fancied him so much, I didn't say a word throughout the interview.

"He asked for our phone numbers and he rang mine later in the day saying: 'Sorry, I didn't mean to call.' "The other band members forced me to call him back, so I did. Jonny asked me on date in London and I said yes, but only if I could bring a friend.

"He said he would bring one too."

His mate turned out to be Robbie and the trio have been best of pals ever since.

Nikki said: "Although I was shocked to see Robbie, I was too busy worrying about what Jonny thought of me. I had a funny feeling he was 'the one' and luckily he felt the same. Robbie, as a friend, was just an unbelievable bonus."

Part 2 next week The wedding at Robbie's mansion in Los Angeles and Nikki's future plans in Swindon.

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