Frankie Bridge chats about Len Goodman’s last night on the Strictly Come Dancing panel
Strictly serves up a Christmas treat as former celebrity contestants return to the ballroom
AFTER you’ve unwrapped your presents and shrugged off the turkey sweats on Christmas Day, enjoy a festive drink or several with Strictly Come Dancing’s seasonal special as former contestants Frankie Bridge, Ainsley Harriott, Denise Lewis, Gethin Jones, Pamela Stephenson and Melvin Odoom bid to win the Silver Star trophy.
Sadly, it’ll be our last opportunity to see Len Goodman heading the judging panel, even though the last show he makes is next Saturday’s Strictly final.
That’s because the festive episode was recorded in November – when the 72 year old took part in a very special group dance as a bittersweet treat for his fans after 12 years on the show.
“It’s so sad that he’s leaving; I’m going to really miss him on the panel,” admits pop star Frankie, 27, who was runner-up with pro dancer Kevin Clifton in 2014.
“I just think Len is the one who’s always been here. I loved doing ballroom and I always wanted him to say something good about my ballroom dances. And, of course, he’s got those funny one-liners.
"I remember he always used to say: ‘Like butter on a warm crumpet!’ It means a lot when Len Goodman gives you a compliment.”
Words of praise are few and far between from Len’s fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood.
And it was the prospect of, once again, taking to the floor in front of Craig that gave Frankie the chills.
“Who’s not scared of Craig?!” laughs Frankie, whose partner this time round is Gorka Marquez.
“When you’ve been on the show before, there’s some expectation there and you never know what mood Craig will be in. But it’s Christmas, so I was hoping he’d be nice!
I hadn’t even thought about if I wanted to win, because it’s so light-hearted at Christmas. It makes me more scared to think about winning so I try not to!”
No expense has been spared when it comes to the fabulously fantastical festive costumes, and Frankie will hit the ballroom dressed as her children’s idol – Queen Elsa from the Disney movie Frozen (which the kids can sing along to earlier on Christmas afternoon at 3.10pm).
“I’ve got a blue, sparkly princess dress and a blonde wig, and I’m doing the American Smooth to Let It Go,” says The Saturdays singer, who has two sons – Parker, three, and 16-month-old Carter – with her husband, ex-footballer and I’m A Celebrity star Wayne Bridge.
“It is a great song and everyone knows it, which is nice, but even that puts the pressure on because you want to do everyone proud.”
Frankie reveals that her previous stint on Strictly clearly rubbed off on her sons.
“When Parker was small he used to have a little boogie and now Carter has kind of taken over and he dances a lot, which is quite funny, bless him,” she grins.
“Parker always used to watch me on the show and we’ll definitely tune in on Christmas Day. It’s feel-good TV and my family all love Strictly.”
Ahead of the Christmas special, of course, there’s this series’ final – and Frankie admits that, regardless of who wins, she knows who her favourite contestants have been.
“I’ve been rooting for Louise Redknapp and Kevin, obviously,” she smiles. “As I’m also good friends with Louise, it’s like seeing my two mates together. I popped in to see them in rehearsals and have been to watch the show.
“Everyone has been so good this year, so it’s been an amazing series – but Ed Balls has been the biggest shock. I was literally crying when he danced to Gangnam Style!”
NEW! Strictly Come Dancing The Final Sat 17 Dec 6.40pm & Christmas Special Christmas Day 6.45pm BBC1