Which dances would the Strictly Come Dancing contestants take with them to a deserted island ? It’s time to find out …
Chris McCausland & Dianne Buswell
Have you got any weird or wonderful techniques, rituals, or superstitions to cope with nerves that you might bring to Strictly from your comedy?
Chris: I’m fairly relaxed before going on stage usually and I’ll have some coffee. Sometimes I do power poses actually. I read a book that said if you make yourself physically as big as you can, it’ll affect your confidence so I do that sometimes. I think the main thing though is to take the show seriously but not take myself too seriously.
Tell us one thing you’ve learnt in rehearsals about each other that we don’t know.
Chris: Dianne has a legion of followers called the BusArmy and they’re her worker bees. They buzz around her online all the time – she’s also learned that I can easily eat the same food every single day. If I like it, I’ll keep eating it. I like consistency.
What are you most grateful for in your dance partner?
Chris: The fact that Dianne is so willing to have fun and she’s so easy to be funny with.
Chris, Dianne is turning you into a TikTok and Instagram star. How does that feel?
Chris: I’ve never bothered with it so it’s quite fun to have someone to do it with. I wouldn’t feel comfortable talking to a camera on my own because who wants to see that? It’s quite fun when you’re having fun together and you’re making each other laugh, it doesn’t matter who is watching because you’re making each other laugh and if people like watching, that’s great. I set out to entertain Dianne and Dianne sets out to entertain me, I think that’s why people like watching.
Dianne, what’s the best piece of advice Chris has given you?
Dianne: Chris said to me, let’s just go out, have fun, not put any pressure on the dancing.
Chris: Don’t tell ourselves we’re going to smash it.
Dianne: I kept saying we’re going to be amazing and Chris kept saying ‘let’s not say that,’ we’ll just have fun and it’ll take away the pressure.
Chris: tell ourselves we’re going to have fun and in having fun we’ll enjoy ourselves.
How much do you think you’ve improved since that first group dance?
Dianne: It actually blows my mind how different it is from the group dance. I can’t believe it.
What song, book, food and drink would you take to a desert island if you could only take one?
Chris: Shine On You Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd, it’s about 13 minutes long so if you have to listen to it over and over it repeats less. It’s also incredible. I would take a book called How To Build A Boat Out Of Trees. I could eat Spaghetti Bolognese for the rest of
my life. I’d be happy with my coffee every morning so the drink would be a black coffee.
There’s a lot of love for you Chris. What has the response been particularly from fellow comedians?
Chris: I’ve had lots of lovely messages from people saying you’re doing really well and it’s nice that fellow comedians think that I’m coming across as myself, that means a lot.
Jamie Borthwick & Michelle Tsiakkas
Have you got any weird and wonderful techniques or rituals to cope with nerves that you might bring to Strictly?
Jamie: Sadly, no. I wish I did have a few rituals to help me through, but I just ride it out until we’re about to go out on the stage. I remember this from the Christmas show, that point before when they were reading my name. I was behind the Queen Vic doors, and I was honestly looking for my Mum. I was thinking, “I can’t do this.” I was panicking and all of a sudden the music started, and I was in it, and then it went away. So I know that the nerves do go when you start dancing, so I’m just going to tell myself that. When you actually start, the nerves will go, and it’ll be great when you finish – it’ll pass.
Has dancing brought out another side of you?
Jamie: Not really, it’s just exaggerated the current side of me of being mischievous and annoying and loud!
Have you got a secret weapon/dance move that you’re waiting to whip out later in the series?
Jamie: Only the Borth dance, I’m waiting to whip out the Borth dance.
Tell us one thing about your dance partner that we don’t know/you’ve learnt in rehearsal?
Jamie: she loves chicken as much as me because she eats it every day with me.
Michelle: He needs a lot of TLC like bacon rolls, cuddles, apple juice, massages, pats on the back, stuff like that.
Do you and your dance partner have any things you do before/during/after every rehearsal?
Both: We always have bacon rolls in the morning and chicken for lunch.
What’s the best bit of advice your pro has given to you?
Jamie: Just to be relaxed all the time and to just enjoy it and to not worry about what anyone says it’s just me and her in the bubble.
How much do you think you’ve/they’ve improved since the group dance?
Jamie: I feel like I’ve improved a fair amount, not drastically I’m not like Nikita or Vito but I feel like I’ve made improvements.
You’re Michelle’s first Strictly partner, how does that feel?
Jamie: It is an amazing experience, I feel there is a bit of pressure on me because I am her first partner so I want to make sure that her experience is just as good as mine so I hope that I’m fulfilling that.
What dance do you think Jay Brown would suit best? Is he a Charleston or a Waltz man?
Jamie: He’s probably more Charleston because he’s silly but if I know Jay and he’s anything like me he likes the Rumba.
You said you weren’t planning on any spray tans, but how are you enjoying all the other elements that come with Strictly?
Jamie: I’m very much enjoying all the elements that come with Strictly even the wacky Elton John glasses and feathers just because it is Strictly it’s what the show is all about and when else are you going to get a chance to let yourself go in that way.
If you could take three things to a desert island, what would they be?
Jamie: My phone, 6-pack of Salt and Vinegar crisps, my headphones.
What three dances would you take to a desert island and why?
Jamie: The Rumba, The Rumba and The Rumba.
What song, book, food and drink would you take to a desert island if you could only take one?
Jamie: Wonderful Tonight Eric Clapton, fried chicken, fizzy drinks.
JB Gill
Have you got any weird or wonderful techniques, rituals or superstitions to cope with nerves that you might bring to Strictly?
I always pray before a performance because, even though I’m not doing any flips or jumping off anything, it’s a good bit of extra protection! Other than that, I think nerves are a good thing, and it’s important to use them. One of the great things about Strictly, which I’m very used to from my time in JLS, is going on stage with someone, sharing that energy, and feeding off each other to hopefully put on a brilliant performance. I relish that. I don’t try to wish away the nerves, I try to use them to the best of my ability.
Has dancing brought out another side of you?
It’s revealed more adaptability in me. Every week is a new challenge, and I have to adapt to completely different disciplines.
How do you think you’ve improved since that group dance?
It’s all about me listening to and trusting the process, following instruction. Every week, I try to incorporate more and progress steadily.
If you were to take three things to a desert island, what would they be?
My phone, a solar charger, and a pair of slippers.
Which three dances would you take to a desert island?
Salsa, Waltz, and Jive.
What song, book, food, and drink would you take to a desert island?
You Got It Bad by Usher. Book: Kane and Abel. Food: Roast dinner. Drink: Lemonade.
Montell Douglas & Johannes Radebe
Do you have any weird or wonderful techniques or rituals to cope with nerves that you might bring to Strictly?
Montell: Weirdly enough, whenever I’m about to perform – whether it’s on Gladiators or in the Ballroom – I usually dance around to keep out all the noise. Dancing has always been a way for me to prepare, so now, it’s going to be more dancing to prepare for
dancing!
Has dancing brought out another side of you?
Montell: It’s brought out a side that’s been hidden for a long time. I’ve never been able to express it because I’ve never danced before. It’s more about discovering that side rather than creating a new one. It’s like I’m nurturing a side that was locked up in a box.
What are you both most grateful for in each other?
Jojo: I’m grateful that she shows up—on time, every time. That’s a big thing for me.
Montell: I am grateful that he meets me where I am at. There is no pre-judgement or presumptions, he is patient and waits to meet me where I am.
Do you and your dance partner have any things you do before/during/after every rehearsal?
Montell: We always take a photo or video to end the rehearsal. It’s like saying, “We never go to bed angry.” It’s our moment. We never go to sleep without, I love you regardless of what happened today.
If you could take three things to a desert island, what would they be?
Montell: Solar-powered speaker, SPF, a sandboard for desert dune sledding.
What three dances would you take to a desert island and why?
Montell: Samba, Waltz to cool things down and the Jive would be fun on the sand.
What song, book, food and drink would you take to a desert island if you could only take one?
Montell: People by Libianca, Jojo’s book, water and boiled eggs.
Pete Wicks & Jowita Przystal
Have you got any weird and wonderful techniques, rituals or superstitions to cope with nerves that you might bring to Strictly?
Pete: No. I don’t get nervous, but I’m petrified of this. This is the most nervous I’ve ever been about doing anything. Genuinely. This is so far out of my comfort zone.
Has dancing brought out another side of you?
Pete: It’s brought out patience for sure.
Do you have a secret dance move you’re waiting to reveal?
Pete: No secrets, just trying to survive each week!
Tell us one thing about Jowita that we don’t know, or that you’ve learned through rehearsals.
Pete: She’s incredibly patient and always positive.
Jowita: Pete’s a hard worker, but he’s also really funny. We have a lot of laughs!
What are you most grateful for with each other?
Pete: Jowita’s positivity. She’s always keeping me on track.
Jowita: Pete’s determination. He never gives up, even when it’s tough.
Do you have any pre-or post-rehearsal rituals?
Pete: Coffee before rehearsals, always.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve given each other?
Pete: Jowita told me to focus on the moment and not overthink it.
Jowita: Pete’s taught me to go with the flow and not take things too seriously.
How much do you think you’ve improved since the group dance?
Pete: I actually feel like I know what I’m doing now.
If you could take three things to a desert island, what would they be?
Pete: A knife (to be practical!), my dogs, and a photo of my gran.
Which three dance styles would you take to a desert island, and why?
Pete: None! It’s a holiday, no dancing.
You can take one song, one book, one food item, and one drink to the island. What are you taking?
Pete: Red wine, cheese, a blank journal and pen to write in, Dancing in the Moonlight on repeat.
Sarah Hadland & Vito Coppola
Have you got any weird and wonderful techniques, rituals, superstitions, to cope with nerves that you might bring to Strictly?
Sarah: I go to the loo a lot….I go to the toilet and not even a drop comes out, but you have to go!
If you could take three things to a desert island, what would they be?
Sarah: Solar powered travel kettle, tea bags. Can I have milk in a fridge?
What three dances would you take?
Sarah: The Foxtrot. I’ve never done them, but I want to do the Charleston and the Argentine Tango too!
You can take one song, book, food and drink.
Sarah: Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish, tea, To Kill a Mockingbird and a fried egg sandwich.
Tasha Ghouri & Aljaž Škorjanec
Have you got any weird and wonderful techniques, rituals or superstitions to cope with nerves that you might bring to Strictly?
Tasha: I like to play really loud music to cope with nerves. The Saturdays’ Megamix, that’s the sort of thing I like to listen to. I like to be in my own little world pretty much and kind of zone out for a while and get my head in the zone, then hit the dancefloor.
Tasha has dancing brought out another side of you?
Tasha: Absolutely! Even though it’s only been two weeks, I feel like Strictly has brought out a much more confident side of me, and kind of reconnected me with the old Tasha. Years ago, I loved dancing in the commercial world, so it’s a bit of a throwback to those days. It’s been so great to dance again and learn these new styles. I’m feeling more confident and wholesome – grateful, really.
And have you got a secret weapon or dance move that you’re hoping to bring out later in the series?
Tasha: Secret weapon? I could do hair flips!
So if you could tell us one thing about Aljaz that we don’t know, that you’ve learned in rehearsals?
Tasha: How much he loves tequila! But seriously, it’s his family values. He’s so connected to his family – Lyra, Janette, everyone. He always has a huge smile when he talks about them. It’s beautiful to see how much he cares.
And what are you most grateful for in each other as partners?
Tasha: Everything. I’m just so grateful to be a part of this.
Aljaz: I never thought in a million years I’d be doing this again. If you asked me a year ago, I’d think it was a joke. But now, when I look over and see Tasha there, it just couldn’t have been better. It’s better than ever.
Do you and your dance partner have anything that you do before or during or after every rehearsal?
Tasha: I’m trying to get Aljaz into TikTok! He’s doing so well.
Aljaz: My favourite thing is that every day before rehearsal, we have a big hug and say, “We’re going to have the best day ever!” And we do, because of that positive energy.
Tasha, what is the best piece of advice Aljaz has given you?
He always says, “Do it for you, and no one else,” which really helps, especially with nerves during the live shows. It’s a reminder to dance like no one’s watching.
How do you think you’ve improved since the first group dance?
Tasha: I’ve definitely improved my strength, especially balancing in heels. I’ve also built up stamina and learned to trust the floor and my shoes more – it’s all about grounding yourself.
If you could take three things to a desert island, what would they be?
Tasha: I’d definitely take my blanket. I can’t go anywhere without it, it’s like a package deal with me! My inner secrets are coming out now. Next, lipsalve, because my lips get sore, and I need them moisturised. Very important on a desert island! Lastly, my dog, Luna.
What dances would you take to a desert island?
Tasha: Salsa for sure! I’d need to have a party, especially to keep from getting bored.
What song book, food and drink would you take to the desert island?
Tasha: I’d take my book [Hits Different], and Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay for the song. Food would be chicken bhuna curry with garlic naan, rice, and onion bhajis. And spiced rum and coke for a drink.
