Debbie: I have not got edge
DEBBIE McGee has taken a swipe at her younger Strictly rivals over their years of dance experience. The TV star,
58, has been accused of having an “unfair advantage” because she studied at the Royal Ballet School. But she claims other contestants are the ones with an edge.
Debbie said: “I don’t have any advantage. Especially compared to the other people who have done it before – the younger ones who are still dancing.”
Hot favourites Alexandra Burke and Aston Merrygold, both
29, have plenty of dance experience – and they’ve scored well so far this series. Debbie added: “I’m an older woman. I’m nearly 60, so I really have to work it – the techniques, the strength and the suppleness.
“My ballet training doesn’t give me an advantage. It was a long time ago. And I’ve never done any ballroom or Latin before. So I do get nervous before each performance. You can’t not get nervous. But I still look forward to it.”
Debbie’s odds of winning have been slashed since the series started. She said: “I can’t believe it. I feel like I’m living in a dream. I’m in a bubble and I’m just going to wake up and it’s all going to be a dream. I’m just going to enjoy every minute for however long it lasts.” Debbie shocked viewers when she gave pro partner Giovanni Pernice a smacker on the lips during a routine last month. But she thinks late hubby Paul would have loved her stint on the show. She said: “I know Paul would absolutely be over the moon about all of this.
“He would love that my paso doble shocked people because that’s what showbusiness is all about. It’s about making people react.
“I’ve had hundreds of messages from people my age who say they find me inspiring. They like that I’m a widow but I’m just getting on with it.”