In this 2005 publicity photo released by ABC, actor John O'Hurley dances with professional choreographer Charlotte Jorgensen during an episode of the ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."

Only three more pounds and the red Speedo is coming out.

That's a promise Dancing With the Stars finalist John O'Hurley, who has lost 17 lbs. since the show began last month, is going to keep.

"I said if I lost 20 pounds I'd do my last dance in a Speedo. It's there waiting to come out," he says. "I think ABC may have something to say about that, but I'm up for it. I've been practising six to seven hours a day -- I am seeing parts of my body I haven't seen for 10 years."

Formerly known as J. Peterman from Seinfeld, O'Hurley has made a new name for himself: Ballroom dancer extraordinaire.

From the beginning, O'Hurley and his partner Charlotte Jorgensen have been pegged as favourites to win ABC's mega-hit ballroom dancing competition. Despite being the oldest participant, O'Hurley has wowed the judges and fans with his dance steps and hilarious facial expressions.

"I write a little story in my head for each dance and then I play a character. I try to perform each dance as an actor," he says, adding his strategy must be working.

"I was having sushi near the studio ...and this 85-year-old man who was bent over like a question mark ... looked at me and said aren't you that dancer? I couldn't believe it. I am now being called a dancer -- I have always been called Peterman."

Though numerous fan websites have already declared O'Hurley the king of the dance floor, he is not confident he will win. O'Hurley narrowly escaped elimination last week when he came in second last behind model Rachel Hunter, who the judges had called the best.

"I was really surprised last week by the results. The public completely took the power away from the judges and you could see they were visibly upset. It just shows how powerful the popular vote is -- if you don't have that, you won't win."

Along with O'Hurley, left in the dance-off are ex-New Kids on the Block singer Joey McIntyre and soap star Kelly Monaco, who, despite a wardrobe malfunction (the strap on her top broke during her dance) last week, came in first place.

"I think women instinctively know how to keep their tops on," says O'Hurley of the close call. "We could have really had a show."

So who does O'Hurley think is his biggest competition? He says it is not McIntyre or Monaco, but Monaco's professional partner Alec Mazo.

"I have to make my dance look as good as his (in order to beat Kelly)," he says, adding it will be a difficult task. "I have no dance background, so all I can do is practise and make sure the dances we put together are fun. I want people to enjoy watching us and vote for us. I'd really like to stay."

Dancing With the Stars, airs tomorrow on ABC and CTV at 10 p.m. To vote for your favourite couple, go to www.dancingwiththestars.abc.com