Strictly Come Dancing favourites Robin Windsor, Kristina Rihanoff, Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace talk to TV Times magazine about their Christmas plans... Wow, what a series it’s been – you’ve regularly beaten The X Factor in the ratings! Is this a special year for Strictly? Kristina: “Definitely, the numbers speak for themselves! It’s the best show on TV and it’s amazing to be a part of it.” Flavia: “I genuinely think it’s the best bunch of celebrities we’ve had. It’s been brilliant to have Louis Smith and Victoria Pendleton – it’s not every year you’ll see Olympians tackle Strictly.” We’re very excited about the final. Who do you think will be lifting the glitterball trophy? Vincent: “It’s impossible to choose. Last year we knew Harry Judd was going to win from the start, but this series it could be anyone. Denise is a superb dancer, but she was so good so soon that people might pick someone else. I’m a very sensitive boy so I’m trying not to get stressed about the final.” Kristina: “You can’t call who is going to be there, but I do hope Lisa and Robin make it, because there has never been a contestant like Lisa in the final. I think it would be a great message for everyone – she can dance and it doesn’t matter what dress size she is.” Robin: “I desperately want to be there. There’s a space on my mantelpiece just waiting for something sparkly!” This year, the Christmas special boasts six new celebs and an ‘all-star’ routine with past favourites. Are you looking forward to it? Kristina: “Yes! I’m dancing with the wonderful Tom Chambers, who won the series in 2008, and choreographing all of the group dances. It is pressure, but I love it!” Flavia: “I’m not in it this year but Russell Grant is making an appearance on my behalf!” Vincent: “I’m dancing with Rachel Stevens again. We’re having a little reunion and doing a bit of Argentine tango together. It’s difficult enough dealing with one woman already [Vincent’s partner is actress Dani Hamer this year], imagine two... [looks at Flavia] ...imagine three!” Are you counting down the days until Christmas? Flavia: “I can’t wait for Christmas. We start working on Strictly from the middle of August and as much as we love it, there’s only so much pressure your body can take!” Vincent: “It’s a bit depressing when Strictly finishes because when you’re on the show it’s 24/7. You dream about it, sometimes you can’t sleep and you train all day long, but as soon as the show finishes there’s silence.” Robin: “It’s a very weird experience. Suddenly there’s a void in your life and you’re like, ‘Where is everybody?’” Have you managed to squeeze in any Christmas shopping? Robin: “Apologies to all my friends and family because they will not be getting Christmas presents this year... or maybe I’ll send Kristina out for them!” Flavia: “I love Christmas shopping, but I can’t get my head round it until Strictly is over. I usually go for vouchers...” Vincent: “People will understand, we have a good excuse!” Where will we find you on 25 December? Vincent: “I’ve just bought a new house, so I’m staying there with my family and then I always go to Dubai for a week straight after Christmas. I’ve got a little sausage, my three-year old son, Luca, and I like to play with him on the beach.” Kristina: “I’ll be in Wales in the very cold winter with my boyfriend, Joe [Calzaghe]. My mum is coming over from Russia for two weeks, so it will be a family affair with lots of Italian and Russian food!” Flavia: “I’ll be at home with my five brothers and sisters and their children. Christmas is a big deal for us – my brother dresses up as Santa and my mum will be feeding me up! I’d like to go to Paris for New Year, just to get away.” Robin: “Last year I spent a very romantic Christmas in Paris and this year I want it to be just as romantic, but somewhere a bit warmer – I’m looking for a beach with some sun!” *The Strictly Final is live on BBC1 on Saturday, December 22 at 6.30pm; the Strictly Christmas special screens on Christmas Day at 6.15pm
