MPs wonder what's happened to the old rough-and-tumble Rodney

Rodney Hide has sported a significantly smaller frame since his stint on 'Dancing with the Stars'. Picture / Richard Robinson

He used to be one of Parliament's most combative personalities, but now some of Rodney Hide's political counterparts are wondering where the real Rodney has gone.

The Act leader and MP for Epsom still displays flashes of his old self when raising points of order in the House and questioning Government ministers.

But since returning from his high-profile stint on Dancing With The Stars, Mr Hide's demeanour has changed - and he is shifting away from the political style that previously drew accusations of muck-raking.

The 49-year-old, who used to revel in the cut and thrust of the House, now says that it all looks "a bit pathetic".

He is penning a book about economics and prosperity and is talking of focusing on "the bigger picture" and leaving other MPs to do the scandal-mongering.

Mr Hide's transformation - which extends to his dramatically smaller physical frame - has caught the eye of several political counterparts.

"He's just chilled out," Labour MP Shane Jones said when asked about Mr Hide.

Mr Jones, who chairs the finance and expenditure select committee, of which Mr Hide is a member, noted the effect of his political rival's weight-loss.

"Politically there's nothing in common between Rodney and myself, but I think most members of the select committee acknowledge, unfortunately, that he's probably got more energy."

Act's other MP, Heather Roy, said she viewed the changes in her colleague as more subtle than others might.

"He's much more considered, I think, now in his approach to things," Mrs Roy said. "Quite how that comes about I don't know, but he would say the dancing has been a huge thing."

Mr Hide said his time away from Parliament gave him the opportunity to talk to people outside politics, and dancing dragged him out of his comfort zone.

"It's made me a lot more empathetic with people ... because I know what it's like to be in a tough situation and not in control," he said.

He conceded that empathy and understanding might have previously been missing from his makeup.

"Because to be a politician, you have to be sort of a successful pushy person," Mr Hide said.

But don't be fooled into thinking Mr Hide's fresh outlook might lead him to sashay away from politics in pursuit of a new career in the entertainment business.

Mr Hide intends to stand for Parliament again at the next election, and said he was focused on representing the people of Epsom.

He was also hunting for a dancing tutor, because he missed the joy of the activity. "It made me realise how little joy there is in politics. To go dancing is a very joyous thing."

Mr Hide said he hadn't danced with television partner Krystal Stuart since the show ended, but intended to trip the light fantastic with his wife.