How are you feeling about being a part of this year’s Strictly Christmas special?
Keisha: I’ve been here before to perform with the Sugababes for the main show, but this is a very different feeling. Now I feel like I’m here as a student. It’s definitely a learning experience, a very humbling experience. I’m enjoying the feeling, everyone’s made it so comfortable for me. It’s probably the best working environment I’ve ever been in.
What made you want to take part?
Keisha: Mutya and the girls in general, have always said ‘you’ve had never done anything outside of the group. Why don’t you?’ A lot of people don’t know this about me, but I’m actually a bit of an introvert and extrovert. They call it ambivert, so I am kind of shy and self-conscious, and I just never thought that I would do this. But the girls gave me courage. So I just thought okay, but I knew that I was going to come in and definitely have step my game up a lot. A lot of people do think ‘oh, you perform to millions of people and you must be so confident’, but actually you have to gear yourself up. The Sugababes, are actually known as the girl band who didn’t dance so I want people to know that, because the comments that I get on Instagram say ‘this is going on this be so easy for her’. But when we all get together and rehearse, I feel like I’ve struggled the most.
Are you nervous at all?
Keisha: Well I feel like I have struggled and haven’t had that much time to rehearse. I definitely think that’s one thing that I am nervous about.
Gorka: Keisha had to learn another two dances so I might get to the point where I play the music and she’s going to go ‘what am I doing?’
Keisha: It takes me a while I want to be complimentary on Gorka’s arm. I take my studio sessions and my writing seriously, like the dancers do with their careers, so I want to do well. You have to focus, you have to act when you don’t get it right and I want to do well for Gorka. I’m very hard on myself.
Have you got any previous dancing experience?
Keisha: No, I have never had any dance training.
Do you think you’re naturally a good dancer?
Keisha: Yeah. If you put on any genre on I can naturally dance 100%. I’ve grown up around music and rhythm obviously being Jamaican.
Tell us about your partner…How are you finding training?
Gorka: Irresistible, unforgivable and sensational.
Keisha: Gorka is very similar to me, he takes his art very seriously. He’s just really honest and straightforward, but also encouraging. And I feel like when he tells me I did a good job, I believe him. This is very good for the soul for me.
Talk us through your outfit…
Keisha: Gorka is wearing white, as am I. We have an ice Queen and snowman theme. Sia – Snowman is our song.
Which judge are you hoping to impress the most?
Keisha: I just want to do my best. I am so in ‘la, la land’, its Christmas, I’m not a professional dancer, so I am welcome to hearing all of their feedback to help me improve.
Gorka: It’s about bringing joy and happiness to people at home during Christmas Day and entertaining. They’re going to be less critical.
What is your signature dance move at the Christmas party?
Keisha: I do the sway.
Do you think you will be taking home the top prize this year?
Keisha: If it happens, that would be great, but I’ll be ok if not.
What is the best present you have ever received?
Keisha: Two dollies, I named them Caroline and Christina. I really wanted the dolls that you could feed and I got them.
What do you love most about Christmas?
Keisha: The movies and the films and food.
Gorka: I just love being with the family. Playing games and just being cosy at home.
Do you have a Christmas tradition?
Keisha: I’ve started making eggnog last year and I I make it throughout Christmas.
Will you be making a New Year resolution?
Keisha: I’ve already made mine, I do it early every year…
Gorka: No
