“The attitude here is that everyone loves the underdog,” says Jason Gilkison, “or the person who looks like they’re not taking themselves too seriously.” He might be describing British culture in general, but we’re talking about TV dance shows, specifically Strictly Come Dancing, on which former champion dancer Gilkison is creative director. He has worked on similar shows in Australia (his home country), South Africa and the US, too. “In America they just want the best, they don’t care if you’ve had past dance training, if you’re Jennifer Grey or a Pussycat Doll. Here that goes against you.”
In between creating choreography for the Eurovision song contest and planning a new musical, I Should Be So Lucky, based on the songs of Stock, Aitken and Waterman, Gilkison is currently rehearsing the UK tour of Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals, the TV show’s “rebellious little sister” where the pros really get a chance to show what they’re made of. This autumn’s Strictly will be the 21st series. Who is his dream Strictly contestant? “Last night we were talking about it and somebody said, ‘has Nigella ever done the show?’ That’d be great. Joanna Lumley would be my ultimate. And Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French …”
