Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly has addressed the controversy surrounding Paul Merson’s song choice for the first live show of the series. The former Arsenal footballer turned Sky Sports pundit is set to perform to the anthem ‘Vindaloo’ with professional dancer Karen Hauer. Despite some mixed reactions from the audience, Tess expressed her excitement for the weekend’s performances during an appearance on husband Vernon Kay’s BBC Radio 2 show.
Speaking on the show, Tess shared, “The excitement is palpable in the studio today. It’s really building, because all 15 celebrities are dancing live for the very first time on tomorrow night’s show.” She highlighted the diverse range of dances being prepared, mentioning sambas and cha chas, and particularly hyped up Paul Merson’s American Smooth routine. Tess assured listeners, “I promise I am not joking,” as she teased the upcoming performances. The Strictly host left fans eagerly anticipating the show, saying, “We just can’t wait for everyone to see all the hard work these brilliant celebrities have put in… it’s gonna be an amazing show! See you tomorrow, 7 o’clock!”
The chosen song ‘Vindaloo’, by British band Fat Les, has a history dating back to 1998 when it coincided with the FIFA World Cup. Initially intended as a spoof of football chants, the track gained popularity and became an anthem in its own right. However, in recent years, the song has faced criticism for its connotations and has been associated with negative perceptions.
Reports from the recording of Strictly’s opening episode indicated that Paul Merson’s reaction to his song choice was less than enthusiastic, with onlookers noting his initial displeasure. While some celebrities were given “lovely classics”, Paul was assigned ‘Vindaloo’, leading to speculation about being positioned as the “joke act”. Moreover, concerns were raised about the song’s associations with racism and far-right football hooliganism.
As the anticipation for the first live show of the series continues to build, Tess Daly’s reassuring words about Paul Merson’s performance and the dedication of all the celebrities in their dance preparations have sparked curiosity among viewers. With the spotlight on the upcoming performances, Strictly fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an exciting and eventful show.