Melanie Blatt gives SCATHING verdict on Strictly Christmas special

Melanie Blatt opened up about her time in the upcoming Strictly Christmas special while on Tuesday’s instalment of Lorraine – admitting that she was ‘deeply uncomfortable’ throughout the process. 

The singer, 50, appeared on the latest episode of the ITV show to chat to step-in host Christine Lampard, 46, to chat about taking part in the festive episode. 

Fans will have to wait and see Mel, Scarlett Moffatt, 35, Jodie Ounsley, 24, Nicholas Bailey, 54, Babatunde Aléshé, 39, and Brian McFadden, 45, battle it out to hold the Glitterball Trophy. 

Christine said: ‘You’re used to being on stage, seeing you do it, but this, Strictly, is the most nervous you have ever been?’

Mel – who was paired with professional Kai Widdrington, 30, for the special – confessed: ‘I mean it was like nothing I have ever done before…

‘Out of the comfort zone was the smallest thing you could call it.

‘I was deeply uncomfortable throughout it, but it was an amazing experience. You know, I am up for challenges. 

‘That is my number one thing that I say to myself every morning – “You need to challenge yourself”. 

‘I really did that.’ 

Speaking about her partner Kai, she said: ‘He was amazing. Everybody on that show, the pro dancers, I was just in awe of all of something. 

‘You know they are spectacular but it’s not until you try to dance like them, how inadequate I am, and how extra amazing they are. 

‘The bounce, how do you jump like that?!’ 

The pair will be dancing the American Smooth to Santa Baby by The Pussycat Dolls.

Meanwhile Gogglebox’s Scarlett and Vito Coppola, 33, are performing the Cha Cha Cha to Cher’s DJ Play A Christmas Song.

Gladiators star Jodie and Neil Jones, 43, are dancing Street/Commercial to Kylie Cantrall’s Red Christmas. 

EastEnders legend Nicholas and Luba Mushtuk, 36, will be dancing the Viennese Waltz to Andy Williams’ It’s The Most Wonderful Time, and Brian and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, are dancing the Jive to Kelly Clarkson’s Run Rudolph Run.  

Babatunde and his dance partner Nancy Xu, 34, will be performing the Charleston to Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters’ tune Santa Claus is Coming to Town. 

Previously talking to the Beeb about what pushed her out of her comfort zone, Mel said: ‘The whole thing [did]! 

‘The main thing that I’ve had to overcome is the outfit side of things. I’m not a dress wearer, but I’ll be wearing a long flowy dress for this.

‘I’m very particular about the shapes and the things that I wear. So that’s been quite challenging, but it’s good to be challenged. 

‘And it’s made me realise to just go for it and not care so much.’ 

Mel shot to fame as part of girl group All Saints in 1993 alongside Shaznay Lewis, Simone Rainford, Natalie Appleton and Nicole Appleton. 

Some of their tunes include Never Ever, Pure Shores, Black Coffee and Bootie Call.  

When asked if her background helped, she said: ‘We did do choreography in All Saints, but it was a very different sort of choreography. 

‘We just plodded around for years! Whereas now I’ve got to have my shoulders back, and a proper frame, which is the complete opposite. 

‘But I did already know how to count to 8, which has been helpful!’ 

Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.