It’s scary dancing in front of 13million folk
The BBC Radio 1 DJ, reality star, podcaster and business entrepreneur, 35, reveals why he found competing on Strictly Come Dancing so stressful
hi, jamie. What have you been enjoying on TV recently?
drive to survive, the netflix docuseries which follows drivers, managers and team owners in Formula 1, offers a fascinating insight into the personalities in this amazing sport. i also love Full swing, also on netflix, an incredible behind-thescenes look at the stresses faced by world-class golfers on the PGA tour.
What’s your all-time favourite TV show?
Californication on Prime video, about troubled writer Hank Moody (played by david duchovny). no matter how badly he behaves, you still end up loving him.
Why did you need counselling after spending a decade on Made In Chelsea?
reality tv is heavy on the soul. You have to keep generating drama and that’s tough when you’re someone who doesn’t like confrontation. i became a caricature of myself because i thought i was going to be judged on how funny or entertaining i was, regardless of whether i was on tv.
Is competing on Strictly Come Dancing as stressful as it looks?
it’s like learning a new language every single week. i found the cha-cha and the jive particularly hard. And there’s nothing scarier than hearing the “voice of God” (Alan dedicoat) announcing your name, knowing you’re about to dance in front of 13million people. But i’m proud to say, i have the record for competing in the most dance-offs. are you settling in at BBC radio 1? it’s a high-energy show, which i love, and i feel very privileged. i was expecting a backlash [after taking over from longstanding presenter Jordan north] but i don’t mind being called “posh”. Besides, i’m enjoying proving i’m more than people think i am.
Can you tell us about your new podcast?
it’s called Great Company and i’ll be delving into some deep topics with celebrity guests from Paloma Faith, Zara larsson and shania twain to trinny Woodall and Jay Blades. this will be a place to learn, laugh and cry.
Great Company With jamie Laing is available now on all podcast providers. Tune into Going home With Vick, Katie and jamie on BBC radio 1, Monday to Thursday, 3.30pm-6pm