Debbie McGee sat down with WhichBingo to chat about her career and her ongoing love for Strictly Come Dancing.
While many remember her from her years working alongside the late magician Paul Daniels, Debbie has built a career of her own in entertainment. With training at the Royal Ballet School, she’s worked across theatre, TV and radio, and has become known for her warmth and resilience.
In 2017, she reached the Strictly final and later won the 2019 Christmas Special, proving that passion and hard work shine at any age. Away from the dancefloor, Debbie continues to inspire with her positive outlook and enthusiasm for new projects. In this conversation, she talks about Strictly, her favourite memories, what’s next for her, and even shares a festive tradition close to her heart.
Watch: Debbie McGee talks Strictly and Traitors
Talking Strictly Come Dancing
What are you making of Strictly so far this year?
“I’m really loving it from the word go. They’ve got a great mixture of different people from different backgrounds. It’s always the way with Strictly you have to watch from the beginning because then you get to know everybody. People always say, ‘I don’t know anyone this year,’ but that’s true every year. You soon find people you really like and it goes down to a couple you’re hoping will get right through. I think it’s been a lovely show so far.”
Who has impressed you in the early weeks?
“Amber, who stepped in at the last minute, is phenomenal already. Lewis Cope and George are particularly strong. Vicky has been amazing too, another sporty person who’s quite musical, which you don’t always expect. And I loved Ellie’s waltz last week, it was so emotional.”
Some contestants have dance backgrounds. Do you think that gives them an unfair advantage?
“The program would be very boring if everybody had no experience. Even people who’ve had a background in dancing might be really slow at picking steps up. The technique is so hard and that’s what the judges judge you on. The public will go for the most entertaining one, but the judges are all about the technique. If you’ve got more ability, they give you more to do, which balances things up.”
What advice would you give to celebrities facing Movie Week?
“My advice would always be: just enjoy every minute. Usually you’re playing a character, so if you’ve got nerves, you can hide behind it more than in other weeks. That makes it easier.”
Would you do a Strictly All Stars if the chance came up?
“Oh, I would jump at it. I loved every minute. It helped me rebrand myself after Paul died, people realized I was more than just a magician’s assistant. Strictly opened so many doors, and I’ll be forever grateful.”
Debbie’s Time on the Show
What do you remember about competing yourself?
“I enjoyed every minute of it. Watching now, I know exactly where they are before they walk down the stairs, and I remember that feeling when your dance and your name is announced that’s the real nerve-wracking moment. The first week nerves are horrible, because you don’t want to be the first to go. It’s a competition and you only get one chance.”
Did it bother you that people focused on your age during the show?
“No, I didn’t really think of it like that. I thought of it more that I was inspiring other women over 50, life doesn’t end there. You can actually do whatever you want. Don’t think just because you’re that number, you’re that old. My father always said, ‘We just get on with living.’ That’s what I did on Strictly, give it my best shot, and that’s all you can do in life.”
Did you keep any of your costumes?
“I have two, my American Smooth and my Salsa costumes. I’ve even performed the Salsa again with Giovanni on his tour. I loved all of the costumes.”
What makes Strictly so special for viewers?
“It’s glamour and entertainment. It takes people out of their normal lives and gives them something to look forward to on a Saturday night. Families can sit down together, kids, parents, grandparents and all enjoy it. There’s nothing else quite like it on TV.”
Do you think the judges are too tough?
“When someone shows ability in the early weeks, the judges can be tougher because they’re judging on technique. If you’ve never danced before, they don’t give you so much technique at first. That evens it up a little, though the public at home often don’t see that.”
Life Beyond Strictly
Would you ever take part in other reality shows?
“I might consider I’m A Celebrity, but they don’t feed you enough! I need to eat regularly. Big Brother asked Paul and I years ago, but it didn’t fit in the diary. Would I do it now? I’d definitely consider it.”
Have you had romantic offers since Paul passed?
“I have had romantic offers. I just haven’t been in a very long-term relationship. Relationships are difficult to navigate. I’ve met lovely people, but they weren’t the right ones for me. I’ve lots of nice male friends who take me out, but I haven’t said, ‘That’s my boyfriend.’”
What are your plans for the future?
“I’ll have been in the business 50 years, so my agent and I are working on some really exciting things. I’ve been filming already for something coming out in January. I always write down goals in my notepad, even getting one thing done a day is an achievement.”
Join the Conversation
Debbie McGee’s stories show why she’s such a beloved figure in British entertainment from her time on Strictly to her plans for marking 50 years in showbiz. Her outlook on life, work, and fun reminds us that there’s always more to come.
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