Strictly is quite an extreme physical experience... it’s a bit like Bear Grylls but with sequins and a ballroom!
GMB’s political editor Ranvir Singh takes time out from her hectic schedule to chat to LOUISE BURKE about being on Strictly, body confidence and finding a work-life balance
IT HAPPENS every year. A celebrity contestant makes their sparkling debut in the Strictly ballroom and their life is transformed. We’re not just talking about the beautiful costumes. It’s like the famous glitterball has a magical, hypnotic effect. Good Morning Britain political editor Ranvir Singh, 43, can vouch for this.
“It’s totally surreal,” Ranvir admits. “I don’t feel like myself when I’m out on the stage. It’s taking some getting used to!”
The glitterball trophy is now in sight for the 43-year-old who has reached the quarter finals of the show with dance partner, Giovanni Pernice.
Here, Ranvir – who lives with her eight-year-old son Tushaan, from her marriage to ex-husband Ranjeet, and their new puppy Shmizzles – shares her Strictly story so far…
From Parliament to the paso doble – you are smashing it on the dance floor, Ranvir! You must be loving every minute…
I AM, and I feel very, very lucky to be part of the show. But it’s a very peculiar feeling, standing in front of the judges and hearing their comments and scores. I can’t believe it’s my life sometimes.
How are you feeling physically?
THERE’S always an ache. And I’ve been wearing slippers under my desk on GMB as the balls of my feet are so sore!
Strictly is quite an extreme physical experience. To do it justice, you’ve got to go for it and commit to the training. It’s a bit like Bear Grylls but with sequins and a ballroom!
You’re also a working single mum. How do you fit it all in?
WELL they do say, if you want a job done properly, ask a busy mum!
We learnt the foxtrot dance in two days. I work well under pressure. An imminent deadline might make some people feel sick and nervous, but I thrive in that situation.
Don’t get me wrong, there is an element of dread and nerves just before I go on stage. But the difference is it doesn’t make me shrink into a tiny ball, it powers me to rise up.
I can handle it, that’s my job – to present on live TV. At least I could bring that to the table, because apart from that, I had nothing else to offer Giovanni, poor chap!
Do you feel like Strictly has come at the perfect time?
ABSOLUTELY, 100%. Sometimes in life, you feel like you’re going against the tide somehow. And then out of nowhere, something changes and it all works out.
Does being single mean you might fall victim to the Strictly curse?
IF I got hit by the curse, it would be a miracle! Oh my God, that would be hilarious.
Do you know most of the dancers were born in 1990 or something? I’m old enough to be their mother! It’s very optimistic and complimentary that anyone would think I would be struck by the curse.
You and Giovanni are sensational on the dance floor. Is it the same off camera?
GIOVANNI is so amazing, zing, he doesn’t need me to o be sensational! He sizzles s all by himself. It doesn’t matter whether I’m in the room or not, he’s sizzling away!
The dances are all about being romantic and, of course, we have to make them convincing.
And you are very convincing…
WELL, you’ve got to be game when you take part in Strictly. You can’t do things half-heartedly.
I admit, it doesn’t come easily. You have to break down some of your own barriers and do things that can feel embarrassing at first.
Judge Shirley Ballas pointed out that when you’re doing ballroom, you have to basically attach your ribcage to your partner while dancing. That’s very intimate.
Then your face is right in their face. It’s taken a bit of getting used to.
We’re sure plenty of people feel your pain, Ranvir…
HA! I know, kn it’s a terrible job, but s someone’s gotta do it.
H Has 30-year-old Giovanni G helped you rediscover your body confidence?
DEFINITELY. I’ve always struggled with body image. Before I started Strictly, I was a bit of a yo-yoer with my w weight and I’d always be on the scales. But da dancing has helped me rel relate to my body in a new way. I haven’t thought about dress sizes or calories or my weight for weeks.
Have you lost weight?
I FEEL like I have. But it’s not about the weight any more, it’s the fact I feel confident in my own skin. I walk differently and hold myself differently.
Do you do a double-take when you see yourself in the mirror at rehearsals?
NO, BECAUSE I turn all the mirrors round. I still find looking in the mirror when we’re dancing very difficult.
You live in the Chilterns. Do you prefer that to city life?
DEFINITELY. I find London very overwhelming.
It’s an amazing place to work, but I always feel relieved driving out of the city. I love the greenery and country lanes.
I’m happy with one shop where I can find my shoes and one shop where I can find my groceries.
My son loves being active in the countryside on his bike. And we bought a puppy in (the first) lockdown, too, so we’re always taking him out for walks. It’s lovely.
Strictly Come Dancing is on Saturday at 7.25pm and Sunday at 7.30pm on BBC1. You can watch Ranvir on Good Morning Britain, weekdays on ITV from 6am