‘I’m aiming for an Ed Balls-style Salsa this week’
The social-media star on studying the Salsa, hairy moments on live TV and the benefits of a topknot
Iwas pleasantly surprised with how well our Couple’s Choice routine went last week because it was so risky. We dropped the basketballs regularly in training but it went OK on the night. Apart from one hairy moment. When Dianne rolled the ball down her back, it knocked her mic pack off, so it was jumping around under her T-shirt for the rest of the routine. In the final section, it fell out and was dangling down to the floor. Her legs got tangled up in wires and you can see me notice it too. But these things happen – it’s about how you carry on.
Shirley Ballas’s comment about how well we’d handled the balls got a titter from the audience. The whole week had been one long innuendo. I enjoyed having a topknot because it kept my hair out of my face. I kept it for the Lindyhop-athon, partly because there was no time – but it seemed to help because we came third. There was some confusion over the scores, not helped by technical problems, but we all had a laugh about it afterwards. Shirley also mistakenly said, “In fourth place was Charles and Diana.” We were all like, “What?” Backstage, we briefly swapped partners so I was with Karen and Charles was with Dianne.
Ashley being in the dance-off was a real shock. Nobody’s safe at this stage. As the contest goes on, it becomes more about the public vote than the judges’ scores. Graeme and Oti will be much missed because they were such a great partnership. He did so well and was always cracking jokes on-set. That’s what you need as the contest becomes more serious. It will feel very different this week without Swanny.
The live tour was announced this week and I’m looking forward to taking part. Strictly is a once-in-alifetime opportunity and I want to make the most of it, so I’m keen to extend the experience. I’m going to miss dancing terribly when it’s over.
Now it’s the quarter-final and Musicals Week. I’m doing a Salsa to a medley from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It’s a big production with extra dancers. There’s a massive coat involved and I’m doing a lift. I’ve been learning how to get lifted by [male pro] Johannes and not freak out. I’ve got into the habit of studying old Strictly routines on Youtube. I’m working my way through the Salsas. I’ve just watched Aston Merrygold’s, which is possibly shooting too high. Maybe Ed Balls’s Gangnam Style is more my level… Latin isn’t my strongest discipline but I’ve come a long way with my hip movement. My behind always gets discussed. I’ve had a word with my bottom and we’re ready for it.
Joe Sugg was speaking to Michael Hogan; Strictly Come Dancing is on Saturday on BBC One at 7.05pm; sign up to the Ballroom Bulletin at telegraph.co.uk/newsletters; listen to the Talking Strictly podcast at playpodca.st/talking-strictly