‘They’re good-looking people - there’s a lot of chemistry!’
Can you remember when you first saw
Dirty Dancing? Not really, because it wasn’t like now with digital television where everything’s at your fingertips. You went to Blockbuster and picked out your VHS to watch – so I had Dirty Dancing and I watched it again and again. But it’s really stood the test of time. I didn’t realise quite how fit Patrick Swayze was because I was young, but now I think, ‘God, he was ripped!’ He can move those hips. He had that hair, and that look, and those bum shakes. Honey, he had some cute cakes!
What was it like working with Keith?
We’ve known each other for many years now, so it felt like two mates hanging out. We just goof around! I’m like, ‘ Wait, this is work?’
It sounds like you had a great time…
Yeah, it was really good vibes. I sound so LA when I say that, but it’s true! All the celebs were really up for it, they got along, and it was just a lot of fun. We were in a Covid bubble together and the sun was shining.
Why do you think dance is so empowering?
It’s just being in tune with your body and soul. That sounds so cheesy, but it’s true! When I did Strictly, you were up against another human. You have to listen to each other’s movement and body in order to be in sync. That is a whole other sort of surrender to that style of dance. They’re good-looking people, and they’ve got the chemistry, and they’re rubbing up against each other. It’s got a sexual flare to it!
What did you think when you saw the line-up for the show?
I was excited about Anthea Turner because she is fabulous, isn’t she? She’s just up for anything and she’s so enthusiastic, so she was great. Saffron I know, because she also did Strictly, and I was excited to meet Arg because he has had such a transformative time. He was such a sweetheart and really, really up for it.
Apparently everybody fancied Anthea?
Everybody! Well, she is a hot little thing! I don’t think she even realised it. She just walks in and everybody’s thinking, ‘Anthea, you are a hot, little spicy señorita!’
You turned 40 during filming. How did you celebrate?
My friends put together this amazing video footage of everybody saying Happy Birthday to me. The poor cast had to watch. I was like, ‘Sorry, guys. This is probably so annoying to just sit here and watch this,’ but they got me a really lovely cake. It actually felt very special.