'I'd never want somebody to feel belittled'
Motsi Mabuse
BBC/Guy Levy
- Emma Cox
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You started your TV career as a professional on the German version of Strictly. Which is harder, judging or being a pro?
They’re hard in different ways. The professionals give absolutely everything; they are mums to the contestants, they are therapists, they create choreography. As a judge, there’s always decision-making, which is hard. You can’t make everyone happy.
Is there a difference between judging celebrities and professional dancers?
On a professional stage, you say it straight. I’d never be a person that’s harsh, but there’s space to say, “You can’t expect the results if you’re not working hard.” You wouldn’t say that on a TV show. People would have a heart attack! I would never want somebody to feel in any way shamed or belittled. There are some people you can laugh with, though. Paul Merson tried his best, but he was fine with making jokes. You need people like that or it would be boring.
As a young ballroom dancer, did you find the training techniques difficult?
One of my teachers made me feel so worthless. I felt unprotected and vulnerable. There are different ways to motivate kids and we do things differently today. A lot of my insecurities come from my childhood. I’ve forgotten so much, and that’s my brain protecting me. I’ve blocked out a lot of things.
Do you ever give advice to contestants who might be finding it tough?
I try not to engage much with them, because then I might feel guilty. On the German version of Strictly, where I’m also a judge, we used to have an after-party every week and you start exchanging conversations. Then you have to let them down in front of millions!
Is it easier now that your sister Oti isn’t on the show?
Oti and I had to at some point stop the conversation because you want to be professional. Now we dissect everything. We sit on Sunday and have our own results show. It’s nice to reflect with somebody that you trust so you can get great feedback. It’s the same for me when I watch her on Dancing on Ice.
Do you have any favourite contestants?
My strength is that I live in another country. If you’ve watched EastEnders all your life, and an actor comes on Strictly, you have a certain feeling for them. I don’t know them so I meet them fresh.
If you could choose a celebrity for the Christmas special, who would it be?
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I think Tom Hiddleston should come on! I saw Andrew Garfield saying he wanted to do it. And we should also get Mel B!
Authors
Emma Cox
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