Strictly Come Dancing: Rugby ace Thom Evans practiced by watching YouTube ...

Rugby ace Thom Evans

prepared for his stint on Strictly

by watching YouTube videos and dancing in front of the mirror.

The former Scottish international joins the show when it returns on Sunday, alongside Tennis coach Judy Murray, Blue’s Simon Webbe and adventurer Steve Backshall.

Thom, now 29, retired from Rugby in 2010 after suffering a severe neck injury. Since then he’s concentrated on acting and modelling.

He said: “I’m so happy to be doing the show, I cannot wait to get started. I’m really looking forward to my Strictly makeover – bring on Strictly and bring on the spandex.”

Who is Thom Evans? Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestant profile

Why have you signed up?

I’ve watched the show for the last couple of years and everyone involved, from the celebrities, to the dancers and the judges always look like they’re having such an amazing amount of fun and I always said to myself that if the opportunity presented itself, I would always take it.

Have you got any dance experience?

Absolutely no dancing whatsoever. Except that I’ve watched countless videos on YouTube – YouTube is great for that these days – and practised a couple of times in the mirror to get some of the certain styles and gestures!

Have you done any special preparation?

I’m really active so I do try to keep fit. I’ve been doing fewer weights as I don’t want to get too stiff, because it’s not the best thing going into this so I’ve just been doing a lot of body weight stuff. Basically stuff to free me up so I’ve just been quite conscious of that.

VIEW GALLERY

 

Have you got any particular dances you’re really looking forward to doing?

I think, and I say this reservedly, the salsa will suit me more because my dancing basically consists of hip movement. I’ve never been

taught but from watching those sorts of dancing, I think it might suit me more. And the jive – because it’s quick, like side-stepping in rugby. Austin Healey was great at the jive.

What would you be looking for in an ideal dance partner?

Someone who’s definitely going to push me. I’m going to need a lot of work! But someone who will acknowledge when I’ve done something right and give me some sort of encouragement. Someone who’s driven and wanting to push the boundaries. I’m a pretty driven person as it is so I don’t really need to be kicked up the backside so I’d want someone on the same level.

Have you done much dancing before?

Just out with friends. If I’m out with my rugby friends, I can stand up alcohol free and have a dance. That doesn’t bother me. I’ll give it a good go.

What do you think about the judges?

The judges are great. They just add to the show. They all bring their different personalities and I will obviously be looking for their approval but I’ve played professional sport so I am used to taking criticism and taking it on board and working hard to improve on things and that’s what I’ll be doing with every bit of feedback.

Have you got anyone in particular who’ll be coming along to support you?

Hopefully my brother, who still plays rugby. Matt’s really enthusiastic about dancing. When we were younger we used to learn boy band moves. I should perhaps try to make out that we were slightly busier with our lives back then but we weren’t! Learning moves to impress the girls.

My mum and dad love the show, they’re massive fans. All the family will be fighting to come along.

* Strictly Come Dancing returns on Sunday 7 September at 8pm on BBC One

 

Like this? Did you know we have a dedicated TV and Film page on Facebook?

  

Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/picturegalleries/11069522/Ten-questions-ahead-of-new-rugby-union-season.html

Strictly Come Dancing: Rugby ace Thom Evans practiced by watching YouTube ...