Let’s Rumba with Ranvir!
Good Morning Britain’s Ranvir Singh can’t wait to don the sparkles and hit the Strictly dancefloor, like pals Susanna and Kate before her...
GoodMorning Britain’s Political Editor Ranvir Singh is a regular face on our screens – this year updating us with the latest news through lockdown and beyond. Now, as one of the contestants on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, the mum-of-one is going to be in the spotlight this time. But she says that, at 43, she’s finally comfortable in her own skin, and ready to help entertain the nation! Here, Ranvir reveals why ballet classes as a child ‘scarred’ her, her love of Michelle Visage and how she’s hoping – if she stays in – to shift the stone she put on during lockdown…
What’s the reaction been to you taking part in Strictly?
It’s been really lovely. My family have been super excited and my friends literally beside themselves. It’s the one show that everyone goes, ‘I would love to do that, wouldn’t it be a joy?’ and then you are the one that gets the chance to do it! Before the show is even on-air, it is spreading joy. It’s funny having the spotlight on myself in Strictly, as I’m the one always asking the questions and conducting interviews – but my personal confidence is much better now I’m older. I’m comfortable with people seeing the real me.
Are you excited about the sparkly sequins?!
I put on a stone on during lockdown – so the poor wardrobe department have their work cut out! I told them I don’t care what I look like on the outside, it’s all about how good the under garments are going to hold me in! As long as I can hold my breath for three minutes or however long the dance is – and have St John Ambulance on the sidelines for fainting through lack of oxygen!
What do you think of the rest of the line-up?
I am the least sporty person
– I never played competitive sport in my life! So it just makes me cry with laughter that I am now competing against an Olympic gold medal-winning boxer. But, on the other hand, the day after I was announced my niece spent about 25 minutes telling me how excited she was about Jamie Laing being in the show. I was like, ‘All right, I get you love him!’ It did hurt a little bit, and I’m not sure she will vote for me!
Do you have any dance experience?
I did very proudly do Grade One ballet when I was about seven, but my dance career ended after my teacher put in my report card, ‘Ranvir is enthusiastic, but sadly lands like an elephant’. I remember reading that and that was it. She said that I’d never be able
to go en pointe, so there was no point carrying on. I mean this is a scar, so maybe I will heal my scar on Strictly – 36 years later I’m picking up my dance career!
Are you a competitive person and in it to win it?
No, I’m the least competitive person you’ve ever met, it’s embarrassing! If I play Scrabble, I’m like, ‘Show me your letter and I’ll help you get a really good word’. I want everyone to do well for themselves. I think I’m starting to realise that I may not be the perfect candidate for Strictly!
How would your family and friends rate your dance ability?
I think my family, who have seen me do Bhangra, are confident that I might have a sense of rhythm, which is hopefully a good thing! But ballroom dancing is such a different language and a far cry from bopping around at a wedding.
Is there a particular competitor that has stood out to you over the years?
As soon as I saw Michelle Visage on Strictly, I fell in love with her. For me, her and Giovanni were the standout couple. I thought she was an amazing character who had a big source of energy and, I think as a woman, I really gravitated towards her as a contestant. She had such an amazing presence and you couldn’t take your eyes off her. I just thought an element of that would be amazing, if I could capture it in some way.
What was the main reason you wanted to take part in Strictly?
I think the reason is that it’s the most joyous programme and it’s a real privilege to be asked to be on it. It’s a real milestone, a career high – it’s everything, isn’t it? Strictly is about learning a skill. I haven’t learned anything from scratch for years. I’ve just have my head down and worked hard and now, all of a sudden, there’s this beautiful chance to learn something completely different from scratch. I hope my brain works, my body works and I’m up for a challenge!
• Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday, on BBC One.