WE caught up with designer Julien
Macdonald this morning for his first interview since he exited
Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, despite having had
"the time of his life" performing a salsa to Spice Up Your
Life by the Spice Girls. The designer, who was partnered by
professional dancer Janette Manrara, found himself in the bottom
two for the third week in a row and this time was not saved by the
judges.
Tell us about this weekend's show - did you feel it was your
time to go?
It is hard to say it was anyone's time to go. We have all been
working and training incredibly hard but I just don't think I could
have coped with another dance off. Three was more than enough
pressure! I really did give it my all right until the last moment.
I enjoyed dancing to an all time favourite of the Spice Girls
though. It was fun!
How do you feel now it's all over?
I am sad but I have had the time of my life on
Strictly. I am definitely in need of a holiday and perhaps
a few days of rest and recovery for my body! I am dying to get back
to the drawing board too. Autumn/winter 2014 is nearly upon us and
I have so much to do. I am really excited about this and looking
forward to getting stuck in.
What was the highlight of the experience?
I would have to say having the opportunity to learn a new skill
and, well, of course, the people that I got to meet throughout the
experience. It's not just the dancing that made this an
amazing experience but the Strictly family. I will miss
all the dancers and contestants. I have never seen such dedication
and talent as I have in the Strictly professional dancers.
What am I going do without Janette cracking the whip? She was my
sparkle. I cannot thank her enough. I am going to miss her, but we
will be forever friends.
Are you still pleased you did it? Would you change
anything?
I am so pleased that I did it and I wouldn't change a
single thing! The whole experience really pushed me to my
limits. I couldn't have put in any more time. I was rehearsing
night and day.
What is your next step now, will you have a rest or are you
straight back to designing?
Without question a rest, for at least a couple of days anyway!
Then it's straight back to the studio where I am working on my next
collection. I will be taking away some inspirations for my own
collections from my experience though. The dedicated team of
costume designers amazed me each week with the outfits they churned
out and the dances that I learnt, including the tango and salsa,
will be a source of inspiration.
Do you think you will continue dancing? Maybe continue to take
lessons?
I can't believe I learnt to jive, tango and salsa in such a
short time. I intend to continue practising as I really enjoyed the
dancing and do know I need to work on it. In fact I would love to
go to Buenos Aires to tango and Cuba to salsa. I need the
practice!
Who would you like to win, or who do you think will win?
I wish good luck to everyone remaining. Each one has something
unique to bring to the competition but I think the girls have the
edge - Natalie, Sophie, Abbey - they blow my mind. Each week they
get better and better. Deborah too, I love her! Ben is
obviously a favourite with the girls and a good dancer, so who
knows. I wish each one of the couples luck but they are all
talented.
