Bonnie Langford
Published: Monday, 2 July 2007, 11:45AM
Bonnie Langford has packed a wealth of experience into her outstanding career which has embraced success in theatre, television, film and radio in both Britain and America.
She was thrilled to take part in ITV1's hit Saturday night show Dancing on Ice, where she undertook one of the most chilling challenges in her career. Subsequently, she returned to the West End stage to play Roxie Hart in Chicago. Bonnie returned to the ice for the ITV1 Special Champion of Champions before taking part in Dancing on Ice – The Live Tour.
On London's West End stage, she has starred in a further seven smash hit musicals including Gone With The Wind, Gypsy, Cats and The Pirates Of Penzance. She has also appeared in three Royal Variety Performances and numerous Royal Galas.
Her TV appearances include Dr Who, Marple and The Catherine Tate Show, and she has presented her own programme for LBC and BBC Radio.
At Festivals and concert venues around the World, Bonnie's one woman show plays to enormous critical acclaim, paying tribute to music from stage and screen along with jazz, soul and current chart hits, accompanied by her big band of highly skilled musicians.
Her albums include Cats (Original Cast Recording), Gypsy (London Cast Recording), Wuthering Heights, Oliver, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein II, Leading Ladies. Bonnie has recorded two solo albums - Bonnie Langford Now and Jazz at the Theatre which are available on her website www.bonnielangford.co.uk
Here, she talks about her role as a Baby Ballroom judge…
How did you get involved with the project?
I was asked because of my association with both dance and young people because I’ve been involved in the business having done it since I was a little girl. It’s such a coveted thing for kids. Dance and family entertainment is so important and I think that’s something that is being recognised more and more and this ticks all the boxes.
What are you most looking forward to?
Young people are really focused and enjoy what they do and I’m really looking forward to being involved in that. They have a great sense of performance and a love for it. I love that you have that as a child without being cynical. Young people don’t have any nerves – they just have the enjoyment and spirit and I’m really looking forward to nurturing that.
I’m not there to patronise them and I’m not in the vain to destroy their spirit. It’s important to treat the contestants as the professionals that they are. I can’t just be sweet but my criticism. It’s about celebrating their achievement and talent and helping them to get better.
Children have a great matter of fact attitude about comments and criticism which I think we don’t always credit young people with.
When I was taught as a kid, I was in an industry where I was always in adult situations, I was expected to work with a professional attitude and I rose to that challenge. Kids will. Don’t talk down to them and they will respond to this.
What advice can you give the contestants?
Just to enjoy every moment and remember that the reason they are there is they have achieved so much so young and they should be proud of that.
They need to forget about being on TV and having people watching them and just do what they do. We are all on their side and we want them to be great.
Having recently taken part in Dancing on Ice, you know what its like to step out in front on the judges. What would you say to the contestants about that?
I don’t think they need to worry at all! Dancing on Ice was so different and difficult because as an adult you are not used to being a beginner. It’s like having all your security blankets taken away. These children are doing what they know. They are the best of the best.
What are you looking out for as judges?
I’m looking for that performance, the chemistry between the partners as they work together, the physical ability, the dance quality, and that extra enjoyment factor that makes us as the audience feel comfortable and want to watch them. It’s that magnetism. There is something about losing yourself in the moment when you watch dance and that’s what I’ll be looking for with the couples.