Strictly’s Vick Hope: ‘Graziano and I have a lot of hair between us!’
Vick Hope opens up about her Strictly experience with fellow ‘big-haired’ dance partner Graz…
There’s no doubt about it, they’re one of Strictly’s hottest couples, setting the dance floor alight with their passionate routines and smouldering chemistry.
When best caught up with Capital Radio host Vick Hope, 29, and her professional partner Graziano Di Prima, 24, at the BBC National Lottery Awards, Vick shared some fascinating insights about her mum fleeing a war zone – and, of course, spilled some Strictly secrets…
So, Vick, how are you enjoying
Strictly? Oh, I’m loving it! The only problem is, I get such bad nerves. I can get myself really wound up. But Graz is really good at helping me chill out. And I love music so much that, as soon as it starts playing, I get into the groove.
You have to get up very early for your radio show. Aren’t you exhausted?!
I really underestimated how intense it would be, doing my breakfast show in the morning and then rehearsing in the afternoon. I am up at 4.30am! I should really go to bed early, but I don’t. I get FOMO [fear of missing out].
Is there any dancing in your background?
Only a little bit, at school. My mum’s family are Nigerian – they love to dance. On my dad’s side, absolutely nothing.
Where did you grow up?
Newcastle, although I don’t have a Geordie accent. My ex used to say that, when I’m back home and I’ve had a few drinks, my voice gets more Geordie.
When did your mum come to the UK?
After the Biafran War, in the late 60s. She wouldn’t call herself a ‘refugee’ – she would say ‘immigrant’. But she grew up over there during the war and it was very hard. She’s only 5ft 2in tall, and she always claims she would be a lot taller if she hadn’t been malnourished for the first 11 years of her life.
Tell us more...
Mum came over [to the UK] and lived with her brothers and sisters – all five of them, in a one-bedroom flat in Newcastle. She didn’t speak a word of English. She worked hard at school and got a good job. She is such a grafter, even now she blows my mind. She works, and she did through all of my and my three brothers’ childhoods. And she also volunteers in a hospice!
Where’s your dad from?
Oh, Newcastle – he’s a pure Geordie lad. They are such a funny pairing, but they work really well. They came to Strictly to see me. Mum was in full Nigerian dress, so she was quite easy to pick out! They loved Graziano – my dad is walking around at home in Newcastle with his shirt open, pretending to be him.
Are there any judges you’re more scared of than the others?
I think everyone is scared of Craig, aren’t they? But we’ve been introduced to him off set, and he’s lovely. Bruno is fun. Shirley is great – she gives very technical advice, which is what you need to improve.
Do you worry about becoming well known?
Well, I don’t think so. But I think people just love Strictly so much, it’s really about the show – it’s not about me. I just revel in all the glitter and fun.
You’ve got amazing hair...
Graziano and I have got a lot of hair between us. In rehearsals, I’m sweating so much that my hair keeps getting stuck to bits of his body. We will go to do a move and I’ll get tugged back. With all the sequins, it could get quite messy! Fingers crossed, I won’t have an accident – I could break my ankle.
Are you single?
Yes, I had a boyfriend for fourand-a-half years (actor Tom Rosenthal), but we broke up in November. I guess I’ve been seeing people for a bit here and there, but nothing serious.
Has anyone on Strictly caught your eye?
No. We’re just dancing, we’ve honestly got no time…
Oh, come on, everyone knows that’s not true about Strictly…
Ha! Well, they all look amazing, obviously, and they are all so nice. Graziano is pretty good-looking, but he’s got a girlfriend!
You make a very attractive couple!
I don’t know what to say, I’m blushing. He is very handsome – I think he looks like Jon Snow from Game Of Thrones crossed with Jack Sparrow. He’s fun, and we get on well, but he pushes me quite hard. He’s mesmerising to watch when he dances.
Do you think you could get to the final?
I just want to try and take it one step at a time. I want to learn as many dances as possible and keep having the time of my life.
Strictly continues on Saturday and Sunday evenings, BBC One