Working with Giovanni reminds me of Paul so much
Our columnist on comparing her late husband with her dance partner, and her birthday
Iwas very emotional last weekend. It was partly because of the dance – our rumba was slow and loving, so it reminded me of my late husband Paul – plus last Friday night, Channel 5 aired a big tribute to him called Paul Daniels: My Life in Magic. I’d done lots of interviews in the build-up to that and talked about Paul a lot. It brought everything back, so it had been a tough week.
I showed the programme to Giovanni. He knew I’d been a magician’s assistant but didn’t quite realise what that meant. He understands me better now, and has become a dear friend and has really been there for me. That’s been a huge bonus about doing Strictly: my journey on the show has been made 100 times more special by him. He’s a lovely person and he makes people feel good. Paul had that quality too. Giovanni and I get on great because we both love joking around but are totally serious and focused about our work. That’s the partnership I had with Paul too.
Saturday was a magical night. The rumba’s a tricky dance and there was lots that could have gone wrong, so I was thrilled it all came together. The feedback was incredible and I never expected such great comments from the judges. [Head judge] Shirley Ballas said I had the best standing leg she’d ever seen. Coming from her, that’s quite something.
It was strange, however, with Bruno Tonioli having a week off. The panel of three judges rather than four didn’t feel right somehow but Craig Revel Horwood made up for Bruno’s absence with that fabulous impression of him. Whenever I get depressed, I’m going to replay that clip. It was also sad to see Brian go. We’d become good mates. As the oldies of the contest, we’d sit having over-fifties chats.
It was a lovely training day on Wednesday because we were rehearsing in the same studio as some other couples and we all had a good giggle. Giovanni was helping Aston with his paso doble, while I kept stealing Alexandra’s sweets.
This Saturday is the Hallowe’en special. I’ve always celebrated Hallowe’en because it’s my birthday too. I love dressing up as well, so being in Strictly for it is just the best. We’re doing an upbeat, happy Charleston, and from the moment we started learning it, we haven’t stopped laughing. This is going to be a good week for me, I can feel it. There are tricks and surprises in the routine. “Bendy Mcgee” might be making a comeback, so watch this space. Our song, Frankie by Sister Sledge, also relates to the dance – there’s another little clue.
The Charleston’s like running a marathon, so I’ve been waking up with stiffness, aches and pains, but luckily I’ve stayed injury-free. Mollie’s partner AJ has been bed-ridden with a bug and Simon Rimmer has injured his thigh. They’ve both missed training, so it could be like the walking wounded tomorrow.
Strictly is so intense and allconsuming, so on my birthday, I’ll just have my mum and sister round for dinner. Plus I’m going to the Pride of Britain Awards on Monday. I can’t have two nights out in a row, not at my age.
Debbie was talking to Michael Hogan; Strictly Come Dancing is on Saturday on BBC One at 6.35pm