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Michaela Strachan is among a new bunch of celebrities performing songs from hit West End shows as All Star Musicals returns to ITV. Along with the likes of Corrie star Lisa George and GMB’S Alex Beresford, the Springwatch host gets a musical theatre masterclass before taking to the stage, but on the night only one will be crowned the winner. Here, Michaela reveals more…
Why did you want to take part in
All Star Musicals?
I come from a musical theatre background and I think people are often surprised to learn that. I trained for musical theatre and that’s where I thought my career was going to take me. But then got the job presenting the kids’ TV show Wide Awake Club and my career path just went at a right angle.
When was the last time you sang in public?
It’s been decades since I sang properly. Let’s just say I was rusty… Your voice is a muscle and it can become lazy if you don’t use it, so we had to get that muscle going again very quickly. We didn’t have a huge amount of time.
How did you find the dancing side of things?
I used to tap dance so I thought it would be a nice thing to do on the show, but the last time I did it was about 30 years ago. The trouble with tap is that it’s difficult to find somewhere to practise, especially if you’re staying in a hotel! My son said I was OK, though. Yay!
We’re used to seeing you wrapped up in padded jackets and scarves on Springwatch and Autumnwatch.
What can you tell us about your costume on All Star Musicals?
It’s sparkly! They also blinged up my tap shoes for me and I had a wig, too, which was horrible at first but I got used to it. It was nice to get out of the thermals!
✱ All Star Musicals is on ITV