Q&A with Jeremy Vine
Want to find out more about the ins and outs of Strictly? Well read on as you asked lots of questions on Facebook and Twitter, and here’re the answers!
Do you suffer from being a lot taller than Karen in the slow dances?
I think we've got over that through the use of heels and because her posture is so brilliant.
What would be your favourite song to dance to?
That would be Transmission because it's got an incredible bassline. Or Shadowplay.
What is the most valuable thing Karen has taught you on Strictly?
She's taught me to never give up and that working will create improvement.
What are you looking for most about Saturday's show?
Being with my fellow celebs on the balcony because we're are all incredibly close now.
Before starting what dance did you really want to do?
To be honest, I didn't know any of them, probably the Waltz, but now I think that was our worst.
How does it feel when you dance?
It feels like flying, just don't look down!
What dancers from past series have inspired you?
The best one was Natalie Gumede in the final. I also loved Natasha Kaplinski.
Jeremy, which of the Eggheads would you like to see take part in Strictly, and why?
Lisa Thiel. She will be absolutely brilliant. She loves dancing and she loves the show. She is also a huge character so I hope they'll ask her one day!
Will you continue to dance once the show is over?
Definitely! My wife can't wait for me to show her what I know and dance with her at weddings. I have always been useless at weddings but now I can do a simple Waltz with her!
Hi Jeremy, please describe your experience of being on Strictly. Is it what you expected?
It's much more testing than I expected. When you think of an entertainment show, you think it's just fun but it's actually fun plus hard work. But I don't regret a second, it has been the most amazing experience... mostly meeting Karen!
If you could create a Strictly team out of the pros for Eggheads, who would it be?
Giovanni because he loves the programme. Janette because she is phenomenally bright. Natalie, which would give you the Australian angle. Karen for her knowledge of the world. And... Aljaz who tells me he watches the show every day!
Do you notice the audience when you dance or are you concentrating to much?
When we did our first dance - the Cha Cha - I wasn't ready for the power of the audience response. There were a group of people near the end of the dance floor who had come from Shrewsbury in a mini bus who went completely nuts. It was brilliant to hear it but it put me off a little bit! I try to zone it out now but at the end when I have finished I am very conscious of the audience!
How do you cope with your workload for BBC and all the rehearsals?
Radio 2 have been very understanding. They let me come in at 10.30am so I have two hours with Karen before I come in. Then I leave at 2pm when my programme finishes, so I can have 7 hours with Karen. It clears quite a lot of time during the day.
You seem game for anything Jeremy but is there any costume you have refused to wear for a routine?
I haven't been in that situation but I did get concern for Kirsty Gallacher when she trod on her own tail and it stopped her doing a lift, which is actually more upsetting than it sounds. I think I would like to look at any costume that added an extra body part!
Has being in the competition taught you anything new about yourself? Like how determined you are or the like? I think you're doing really well - wish I was as tall!
That's nice Jenny, thanks very much! It has taught me an awful lot. The most important thing it has taught me is the discipline that goes into dance the amount of sacrifice a professional dancer makes. The first thing it taught me personally is that I can't dance, and the second, that I can dance a little if I really try!
You seemed really pleased to get Karen, had you 'bonded' at the rehersals before you knew who you would be dancing with?
We only had a few seconds at rehearsals and we bonded after we were put together. We were discussing the other day how we know we are going to be friends for life!
