Strictly Come Dancing legend Len Goodman is doing his best to embrace lockdown by swapping judging the jive for jigsaw puzzles.

The 76-year old ballroom doyen is working with Smart Energy GB to produce a package of advice for over-70s worried about energy bills and energy consumption during lockdown.

Research by Smart Energy GB reveals 48% of older people admit that the recent lockdown has meant that they pay more attention to their outgoings.

And while some report lockdown has increased their energy bills, many are finding new energy-saving habits to control costs, which 43% claim they'll stick with when the world starts to get back to normal.

"Like many people in the 70+ age group, I found it took a while to adjust to staying at home," admits Goodman.

"I have missed not being able to hug my grandchildren and taking them to the park to play. But I know it's been for our own safety, and technology is incredible at allowing us all to keep in touch.

“We are all spending more time at home, and of course, probably using more energy. So, we've been trying to think of ways to keep busy and reduce our energy consumption at the same time.

"My wife and I have been sorting out lots of things in the house - my wardrobe, for one, and we’ve been strict about clothes we haven’t worn in a while, so have a nice selection ready for the charity shops once they re-open.

"We try and have energy-free time too. We've been doing jigsaw puzzles together, playing cards, painting the fence in the garden and I now have a vegetable patch all grown from seeds - though it uses a different kind of energy!

"As well as these day-to-day practical tips, anyone who is concerned about their energy bill, especially those of a pensionable age, should visit the Smart Energy GB website or speak to their supplier to understand the advice and help available."

And Goodman is not alone - research revealed 45 per cent of older people believed the current crisis has made them realise that they’re more resourceful than they thought.

Changes that these households have made to make their money go further include having energy-free time, only buying essential items and making meals from scratch, and using a smart meter to monitor their energy usage.

Switching off lights in unoccupied rooms, turning off all unused electrical sockets, not charging devices longer than necessary and batch cooking are just some of the small ways people are reducing their energy.