Cat Deeley

Cat Deeley, the beautiful host of So You Think You Can Dance, on the dance show that airs every Tuesday at 9pm on AXN...

As the host of So You Think You Can Dance which are your favourite dance forms?

To be honest, I really love all dance forms, but the one that really came upfront this season was actually krumping. Weirdly enough we have never had a krump before and this person we have is the most amazing guy named Russel who is from Boston and he is the most incredible krumper.

What has your experience been as the host of So You Think...?

I have hosted a lot of shows back in the UK and I have been hosting shows for 12 years now. But it is a mighty thing working on a show like this... there is a greater appreciation for dance. Also, before, I would see a ballet it would be amazing, but I wouldn’t really understand it but now I kind of do and I see it as a great art form and it has definitely opened my eyes.

Bollywood dancing is very prominent on the show. What is your take on it?

I think Bollywood dancing is absolutely beautiful and I love the fact that it has a story behind it. I love the costumes and I love how it is so uplifting and you can help and smile to yourself after watching a Bollywood performance, as soon as you start watching it. The colours, the music, the enthusiasm, everything to do with the style of dance, you stand there and watch and you can’t help a grin from ear to ear.

Is it true that despite hosting So You Think..., you can’t dance?

That is absolutely 100% categorically true. My enthusiasm is very high though! I am very enthusiastic after a night out and a couple of cocktails but I have absolutely no talent. Because I am not very co-ordinated. I have never been good at it. I have tried to speak to the choreographers about teaching me, but when I talk to them about it everybody walks away from me. So I actually think I am beyond help..

What do you think sets the show apart from all the other dance shows?

The big thing for us is not taking celebrities in the show but actually taking ordinary people in the most extraordinary situations. And that is something I think that anybody can identify with.... Of course people love dancing and of course they love to see a dancer’s performance. Although dance is the running narrative of the show but in actual facts it’s the human element that sets it apart. You see people’s trials, tribulations, successes and failures. And in some point in our lives, no matter what we do, whether we are lawyers, journalists, etc we all have attempted something that may have failed or been a huge success. And that’s what in the show that people can connect with.

What kind of advice do you give contestants?

My advice would always be to remember every moment because quite often your nerves can get the better of you and you forget things. This is a real-life experience and this is something they are going to tell their kids and grandkids. I always say remember everything… it’s the body pumping adrenaline to help you cope with the situation you are about to put yourself into, which often is being live on TV, being broadcast to millions of people... you embrace it.

Which is your favourite dance show on TV? Tell t2@abpmail.com