Dev calls the Strictly set
Scott was absent from Radio 1 while rehearsing for the Strictly Come Dancing launch show. He joined Dev by telephone from a golf buggy outside the studios, where the celebrities had spent several days learning their first group routine.
Dev found the entire idea of Scott in a silky shirt both brilliant and hilarious. Scott had kept his participation secret for roughly two or three months and was only beginning to adjust to speaking openly about why he had been taking dance lessons.
Crushed velvet and carefully rationed chest
The first publicity pictures had introduced Scott to crushed velvet, spray tan and the programme’s tendency to undo a contestant’s shirt immediately before taking the photograph. Steve Backshall’s shirt had been opened almost to his navel, while Mark Wright appeared to have achieved what Scott considered the correct amount of visible chest.
Tim Wonnacott’s glasses remained another practical concern. Their familiar cord might stop them flying across the dance floor, although Scott hinted that Tim already had something special planned for the group performance.
Nobody gets dragged around
The dance was a jive: fast, energetic and much harder than Scott had expected. He had assumed a professional would take control and pull each celebrity through the routine, only to discover that the contestants had to learn their own steps before any partners were assigned.
The professionals did not yet know whom they would receive. The launch show would reveal the pairings, after which the intensive one-to-one training and potential arguments could begin.
The ballroom becomes real
Walking into the studio produced the day’s most intimidating moment. Scott had seen the Strictly ballroom many times on television, but standing on its floor made him realise that he would shortly have to dance there himself.
Bruce Forsyth and Claudia Winkleman were around the set while the cast prepared. Scott promised to return to Radio 1 on Thursday, assuming the rehearsals and the launch recording released him on time.
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