Catherine LystBBC Scotland and
Sarah McMullen
BBCRoss King is used to interviewing Hollywood stars from his LA base but he will soon be the one in the showbiz spotlight as he takes to the Strictly dancefloor.
The Scottish entertainment reporter, regularly seen popping up on ITV’s Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, will be donning sparkly outfits to represent his beloved Scotland in the 23rd series of the BBC One Show.
He still considers Glasgow as “home” and hopes to be able to incorporate Scottish dances including The Slosh and the Gay Gordons into some of his routines.
“I genuinely want a bit of The Slosh put in for Scotland,” he tells BBC Scotland News. “And some form of a ceilidh which apparently they’ve never done.
“I’ve always been very patriotic and I love Scotland. To represent my country is just a thrilling thing.”
He has also suggested Scottish artists including The Proclaimers, Lewis Capaldi, Paulo Nutini, Wet Wet Wet and Simple Minds as some of his song options.
“I’m under no illusions,” he says. “I’ll do the whole thing with the biggest smile on my face and even if the lovely Craig rips me apart, which I’m sure he will do, I’ll just take it on the chin and smile.”
So far, Ross has found the Strictly experience “wonderful”.
“I’m loving it,” he says. “It’s just the silliest, most wonderful thing that I could ever get involved in.”
But he admits he was shocked to discover how big the show is in the UK.
“I had no idea until I flew in from LA just what a juggernaut of a show it is. It’s massive and you just don’t realise it until you become part of it.”
Ross admits to feeling a bit daunted by the experience but says he was delighted to have been asked to take part.
“I was incredibly excited but incredibly terrified,” he says.
“I’ve never done a reality show but I’ve always said that if I did one this would be the one I’d want to do – because I’m getting older, the chance to learn a new skill and to learn with the best.
“On day one you get to dance with all the pros and not only are they brilliant dancers but they’re brilliant teachers.
“It’s been one of the most fun experiences I’ve had so far. I know its going to be really hard. I know I’m never going to win but if I could be the most improved.
“My dear old mum always used to say ‘you’ll never know until you give it a go’ and she always said ‘son do your best, it’s all you can do’. It was great advice.”
Ross has also turned to some of his showbiz pals for advice including fellow Scottish presenter Lorraine Kelly and former Strictly contestants Joe McFadden and Ranvir Singh.
“The main advice from people is just enjoy yourself because it really is a huge experience,” he says.
“I’ve done musicals and pantos but I’ve always been the one in the middle with people dancing around me making me look good.
“I really do feel like I’m representing Scotland so I don’t want to let anyone down.”
Ross says coming home to Glasgow is “special”.
“This is always home,” he says. “The banter is the big thing that I miss. When I arrived, one guy said ‘hey, you look just like Ross King off the TV – no offence’. I miss the banter.”
More used to clean living in LA, while back in Scotland Ross has taken the opportunity to indulge in some of his favourite food including a “roll and slice”, describing it as “the breakfast of champions”.
“Sliced sausage, mashed potatoes and beans is my favourite and I really love haggis,” he adds.
However, he is hoping that all the dancing will make him a lot fitter.
“I do wish my dear old mum and dad were alive because they would be going ‘well done son, your posture’s a lot better’ – they would be proud of that.
“I want to take away the experience of being taught by the best in the profession – world champions. At my point in life and in my career to be given a chance like this is just unbelievable.
“Hopefully I won’t let anyone down. What I can say is that I will do my best because as mum always said, that’s all you can do.”
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday.
