Former All Saints singer Melanie Blatt has candidly discussed her participation in the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, admitting she felt profoundly out of her element throughout the entire process.
A Nerve-Wracking Challenge on the Dance Floor
The 50-year-old music star appeared on Tuesday's edition of ITV's Lorraine, chatting with stand-in host Christine Lampard, 46, about the festive TV event. When Lampard questioned if this was the most nervous she had ever been, despite her stage experience, Blatt was unequivocal in her response.
Paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, 30, for the one-off show, Blatt confessed: "I mean it was like nothing I have ever done before... Out of the comfort zone was the smallest thing you could call it." She elaborated, revealing, "I was deeply uncomfortable throughout it, but it was an amazing experience. You know, I am up for challenges."
Praise for Partners and a Wardrobe Worry
Blatt was full of praise for her partner and the other professionals, stating, "He was amazing. Everybody on that show, the pro dancers, I was just in awe of all of them." She highlighted the vast skill gap, noting, "It's not until you try to dance like them, how inadequate I am, and how extra amazing they are."
The singer also pinpointed a surprising source of anxiety: her costume. "The main thing that I've had to overcome is the outfit side of things," she explained. "I'm not a dress wearer, but I'll be wearing a long flowy dress for this... it's made me realise to just go for it and not care so much."
The Festive Strictly Line-Up Revealed
Blatt and Widdrington will perform an American Smooth to 'Santa Baby' by The Pussycat Dolls. They will compete against a roster of other celebrities in the Christmas special, all vying for the Glitterball Trophy. The confirmed contestants and their dances are:
- Scarlett Moffatt, 35, and Vito Coppola, 33: Cha Cha Cha to Cher's 'DJ Play A Christmas Song'.
- Jodie Ounsley, 24, and Neil Jones, 43: Street/Commercial to Kylie Cantrall's 'Red Christmas'.
- Nicholas Bailey, 54, and Luba Mushtuk, 36: Viennese Waltz to Andy Williams' 'It's The Most Wonderful Time'.
- Brian McFadden, 45, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30: Jive to Kelly Clarkson's 'Run Rudolph Run'.
- Babatunde Aléshé, 39, and Nancy Xu, 34: Charleston to 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town'.
Reflecting on her girl group days, Blatt admitted that All Saints' choreography was little help, joking, "We just plodded around for years!" However, she did credit the experience with teaching her how to count to eight, which proved useful.
Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
