‘I MISS THE fake tan!’
2017 finalist Debbie Mcgee tells us what Strictly is like behind the scenes
What was the first day like?
Really exciting. For our reveal, they had this kind of camouflage netting in front of us. We were like the animals behind the screen, and then they let all the pros in. Once we’d all met, it was straight into the launch show group dance. There were no baby steps, you were into it straight away.
Did you have any say in which professional you got?
No, not even the professionals get a say in it – the producers make the decision. I knew Giovanni was the person I wanted, but I never told anybody. Unbeknownst to me, he wanted me, too!
What happened next?
By the next day, Giovanni was choreographing the first dance. I met him first thing on a Monday, where it was just him and me in a studio. We got going immediately. The first day was nerve-wracking. I wanted to get it right and be as good as I possibly could. But we hit it off. Every single minute of working with him and on that programme was a happy moment.
Did you get to pick any of your costumes?
I really didn’t get much of a say. Giovanni got a slight say, in that whatever the dance is, the dress has to work. With the Paso Doble, it was red, had to have a full skirt, and with a slit, so I could kick my legs and do the splits. After the third week, they realised that, although I was one of the older contestants, my body was slim and toned, so I could get away with shorter things.
Were there ever any wardrobe malfunctions?
I showed my knickers in the Charleston, and they’re very anti that. So, after that, they had to sew all of my skirts down, so that couldn’t possibly happen again.
Did you enjoy the spray tan?
I loved it – I miss the fake tan. It’s cold when you’re having it done, so I would sing opera, or scream!
Have you danced with Giovanni since the show?
Yes, I dipped in and out of his touring show. We did a West End date that was really special. As soon as I went on, the audiences were cheering and we got standing ovations wherever we performed.
Will we be seeing you at the Strictly studios this year?
I’ll definitely come along, but I’ll let Giovanni get settled with his new partner first. I adore all the pros, and the team. I made friends with all the cameramen, the hair and make-up, all the runners. I feel like they’re all my friends. It’s something I’ll never forget.