As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of sports and competition, I find Montell Douglas‘ journey on Strictly Come Dancing to be nothing short of captivating. A former Olympian, Gladiator, and now a contestant on BBC One’s beloved dance show, it seems that Montell has swapped pugil sticks for pumps in her pursuit of a new challenge.
In a change from her fighting gear, Montell Douglas (also known as Fire from BBC One’s popular Saturday show Gladiators) will swap her pugil sticks for dance shoes, partnering with well-liked Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe. This dynamic duo is already being called “Team MoJo”.
Having represented the UK in both the Summer and Winter Olympics, as well as appearing on Gladiators and Dancing with the Stars (UK version), the ballroom seems like it would be a piece of cake, doesn’t it?
Of course, Montell! With your experience from Gladiators, it seems like you’re accustomed to performing in front of large audiences. So, is dancing in front of 12 million people every Saturday a breeze for you compared to what you’ve done before?
Montell: Actually, I wish this were a park sprint instead, as I’m more of a sprinter. You see, walking isn’t really my strong suit. I prefer going at a faster pace. To be honest, I’m not just excited – I’m beyond thrilled for this opportunity. It allows me to showcase a different side of myself that I haven’t been able to express before.
Sports are uniquely distinctive; they offer an expressive and creative outlet in a way that feels completely organic. It’s all about capturing the essence of the moment, and I can hardly wait to collaborate with this remarkable individual, picking up some fresh skills along the way – as you mentioned, mastering the art of walking in heels for the very first time.
You’re a former Olympian and a Gladiator. Physically, does that give you a head start?
Montell: I’ll need to focus on improving flexibility and agility since I’ve been accustomed to being stiff for power. My work ethic is relentless. Typically, I train for a certain number of hours, focusing on short, intense exercises, but this requires mental stamina for long periods and muscular endurance in an aerobic context, which aren’t my strong suits.
John: Every year, I’ve been assigned various individuals, and this isn’t my first time collaborating with someone in the sports field. However, Montell possesses an advantage over others, which is a strong presence. Some individuals need to learn how to be present, but not Montell.
Are the other Gladiators cheering you on?
Montell: Indeed, they are! It seems they’re thrilled about me playing Fire on Gladiators as Montell. Often, I don’t even acknowledge the name Montell. So, it’s been quite extraordinary to hear my name repeated so frequently, and find myself wondering, “Are you addressing me?
Who else do you think would be good on the dance floor out of the Gladiators?
Montell: Nitro’s style is like a perpetually dancing, spinning disco ball, while Phantom is known for his impressive body rolls. He’s quite slick and unpredictable, much like a dark horse. Among the females, I suspect Comet would shine brightest due to her gymnastics background. She’d definitely show off some acrobatics, with twirls, flips, splits, and other flexible moves, making for an exciting display of tricks.
Have you enjoyed getting Strictly-fied?
Montell: I adore it! What’s not to love about dressing up? I may not have been the stereotypical “girly girl,” but I’ve come to embody my femininity in a strong and empowering way, like an Amazonian woman showing off her strength. Powerful female role models have boosted my confidence to embrace this side of me. I’ve never felt comfortable wearing high heels because I’m quite tall, and it takes a certain level of self-assurance for me to wear them.
When Johannes mentioned he desired an additional inch on my heel, I shot him a skeptical glance, then responded, “Whatever you suggest, Jojo. Ankles? Not something I prioritize.” He even assists in dressing me – no exaggeration! I’m excited to unveil fresh ensembles and showcase new personas, as I’m recognized for frequently altering my appearance, particularly my hairstyles.
Have you always wanted to do Strictly?
Montell shared that when he received the offer for Gladiators, he started contemplating his career path. There were talks about writing a book, delving into his 20-year sports background, and even the Olympics. However, he expressed this desire to his agent: “I want Strictly.” It’s an incredible realization of a long-held dream.
And what’s it like being partnered with Johannes?
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but gush: He’s simply extraordinary, not just in dance, but as a person too. After our launch show, he surprised me with a stunning bouquet of flowers and a heartfelt note in my dressing room. The entire cast is green with envy! Sarah Hadland even quipped, “Those aren’t from Tesco, they’re quite expensive!
Johannes: Isn’t it true that Strictly feels a lot like being married? After all, you spend so many hours with the person you’re paired with. It’s comforting for them to know that I’m there for them. They have enough on their mind already. The last thing they need is uncertainty about my support.
A condensed version of this interview appears in the latest issue of TopMob.
Strictly Come Dancing continues at 7pm this Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.
As a film enthusiast, I’m excited to share that we’ve just launched a new service! Now, if you missed out on a previous edition of TopMob magazine, you can still get your hands on it. Simply explore our back issues service and find the one you’ve been wanting to read!
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2024-09-20 19:34