As he has done so many times before, Tristan took time to answer your questions. Enjoy the latest in our series of interviews with our favorite professional dancer and all-around good guy.
So, first question. What are you up to these days? Still doing pro numbers but mainly resting, physio, spending time with the wife and walking the dog. We haven't had much time for a few months now with all the work we have both being doing so we are enjoying time to ourselves now and getting a chance to see where we have moved to. In our last interview, you indicated that you and Jennifer would be going to Glasgow, Scotland to train and that it would be your first trip there. Did you get some time to look around? Any favorite places during your brief time there? Yeah, Glasgow is beautiful. I still can't believe I’d never been to Scotland before, but we got in a few hours before Jen so we went strolling round Buchanan Street and Glasgow Green, botanical gardens, all that lark. It was beautiful. I’d love to go back with a bit more time - maybe next month for the Euro qualifiers!! We didn't get too much time there. It was really three days but most time was spent in the studio and nice family dinners. We are thoroughly enjoying all of your pro dances on Strictly. Do you have a favorite? Is it correct that you will be appearing most weeks in pro dances through the rest of the series? The pro numbers have been fun here for sure. There is a refresher each week on a Monday morning for that weekend’s dance which is great so a lot of time goes into the numbers but the final product is usually pretty decent. A lot of people have been commenting on the pro numbers, and they are great to be part of. Working with all the different choreographers each week is a great experience in seeing how different people work. I’m sure there will be the odd week where I might not be dancing but the producers have been pretty cool with me and want to have me in as much as possible which is great. Since the SCD dynamic is different from that of DWTS, we’re curious as to how you like the speedy voting process followed by immediate taping of the results show which airs the following night. It's different for sure. I like doing the results show straight away but the voting is all a bit rushed I think which makes it difficult for the people who dance quite early - especially at the beginning if you happen to be one of the couples who people don't particularly sway either way. It can be difficult I think being up early because you are forgotten by the time the other 13/15 couples dance. In this case I think it’s more beneficial to be as close to the end as possible as you stay fresh in the mind, but again the argument is if it's good enough people won't forget. There will always be an argument about it. I like getting the show done and then your celebrity doesn’t have to stew for the night waiting - especially if they haven't done as well as they would have liked. Whatever people wanna see, that’s the best way to do it. Of the 3 dances you performed with Jennifer, did you have a favorite? In all 3, you looked like you were both having a lot of fun. I think maybe the “Mamma Mia” number purely because Jen enjoyed that one the most. I can't stand ABBA - it really annoys me hearing them – hahaha! I don't know why but I was dreading that week as soon as we got the music and I was trying to change it all week but I think Jen was most relaxed that week so it made it my favorite. When you finish the show you wanna say 'I had a great time and I’m proud of what I did' not 'I done really well but it wasn't that much fun'. Comments really make a difference for people out of their comfort zone so for me it was taking back our enthusiasm and reason for doing the show and that’s why we can go home with a smile and no tears. One of our website members asked if the format of Strictly is mostly the same as DWTS with regard to music, choreography, costumes, etc. In other words, are you given the music and dance style and then choreograph accordingly? Is there choreographic assistance or do you handle that all yourself? Do you have input into costumes, props, music, etc. You have influence to a degree but not as much as in America. A wardrobe department comes up with your costume and you are given your music although you are asked to suggest music and concepts when you get partnered up. The balance is decided by production as to concept and dance. The show tries to work here two weeks in advance of itself so for us it’s about taking it one week at a time and then trying to make some amendments when the time comes. There is a team who are available for help when it comes to the less familiar dances - Charleston, Salsa, Argentine Tango although not everyone uses them. We are expected, and rightly so, to do our own work for Ballroom and Latin as that is what we train in and are paid to teach but there is always help available if needed although all teaching is done by us, the professional, just like America. How do you like the It Takes Two format? It seems like a great way for the fans to get to know the dancers a little better, but we’re curious as to your thoughts. I love It Takes Two. I think the team there are great and I like Zoe Ball a lot. She is really cool. It gives us a chance to be ourselves a lot more than the show, I guess. You can answer everything in your own words and how you like as it’s all live whereas the rehearsal videos and interviews are pre-taped and follow a story line of the week. I’m looking forward to doing different things on ITT now the appearances with Jen are no longer a weekly thing, so I'll be chancing my arm with suggesting ideas on that. I usually prefer talking more on there than dancing. The pro challenges aren't really for me but I’ll talk for days - haha! In addition to Strictly pro dances, do you have some other projects in the works? (even if you can’t share specifics) Of course, if you want to share details, we won’t complain. Yes, yes I do............haha You got to see Jennifer and Brendan in action on Mrs. Brown’s Boys. Did you get to watch any of the filming or production and meet the cast? Have you had a chance to watch any of the episodes yet? Yes, I met the whole family. They are very tight knit and I have a lot of time for all of them – really, really friendly genuine people who took myself and Tahyna in as one of their own. We would often have dinner and talks and laughs together which was the best part of the whole experience and hopefully we will be in contact for a long time yet. I’m a big fan of the show so it was great to see it being put together and to be reassured that good people get their rewards for hard work and belief in what you are doing regardless of who else believes in it. Speaking of television, have you been catching any of the British tv shows? Any football? I haven't had anytime for tele to be honest but we have been catching some shows after rehearsals, and date night we might go catch a film and dinner. I keep the football updates on during the show day but free time goes to my wife and dog now not football. Maybe now I’ve more time off I may sneak in some matches during the week. A few silly and “speed round” questions: If Pike hadn’t been named Pike, what was choice number 2? I wanted to call him Seamus but that got vetoed - Seamus-Pike but he got Pikey. Favorite thing you have done in London so far We walk the dog in Kensington Park most days and that’s beautiful. Also Portobello Market. The Strictly celebrity (other than Jennifer) that has surprised you the most Nobody really surprised me to be honest as I didn't know anyone before but I like Simon a lot and I love seeing Sunetra getting more confidence in herself. Thom is a nice guy and I have a lot of time for Steve and Tim. The Strictly celebrity (other than Jennifer) that you have gotten to know the best (or who makes you laugh the most) Alison is great fun. She is pretty funny and Judy, I like her. haven't spent too much time with the other celebs really but in passing and the odd conversation you have with each of them are fun. Len is funny as always I have a lot of time for Lenny. The Strictly pro that has made you laugh the most Anton - We get on well and we do have good banter. Aljaz is a funny bloke as well but we used to room together so I already knew that. Any new tattoos planned? Yeah, I’m sure I’ll get another piece done. It’s just trying to find the time. Tahyna tells me to do what I want but I think she is happy with where I am now - ha ha. Finally, we have been fortunate to find two special people in the UK (Claire and Arabella) who have graciously been supplying us with screencaps and video clips of all of your performances and interviews (Claire) as well as links to interviews, articles, etc. (Arabella) so that we have everything quickly for the Facebook Fan Page and the website. Thanks to them, your USA supporters (and fans all over the world!) get to enjoy the Strictly experience. I’m hearing all the help and work Claire and Arabella are doing, so thanks very much for all your time and keeping up with everything. Now you all know how my ma feels when I'm away she doesn’t hear a thing from me – haha! ************** Thanks, Tristan! Feel free to leave your comments for him below.
22 Comments
Babs
10/15/2014 09:06:14 am
I've been a Tristan MacManus fan for a long time but I never grow tired of the interviews that he does with this website. Thanks so much and it's exciting to hear Tristan's perspective on all things SCD.
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Judy
10/15/2014 09:42:25 am
Excellent interview. It was nice to hear Tristan's take on SCD and how it differs from DWTS. I enjoyed it immensely.
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Sweetpea
10/15/2014 10:14:22 am
Tristan "gets it" and he is a genuinely good man too. He treats his fans with respect. Nicely done Tristan, as always.
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Clara
10/15/2014 12:25:49 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Great questions and very thorough, well-thought our answers. Thank you.
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Jenna
10/15/2014 12:54:33 pm
Thanks for the interview. I loved it!
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Susan
10/15/2014 03:21:33 pm
I confess to being a new MacManiac and am spending a ridiculous amount of time on the website catching up. I am finding interviews you did with this site more than 2 years ago and it's amazing how kind you are to all of your many supporters. These interviews are definitely a treat and I am already looking forward to the next one and have sent in a couple of questions. Thank you taking to time to talk to your fans.
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Elsa
10/15/2014 03:35:54 pm
What a great interview! I'm so grateful to Tristan and to Shakespeare for keeping us up to date. And also to Claire and Arabella - Wow where would we be without you? Your help in keeping us in the loop is invaluable. Can't wait to see the pro numbers and hopefully many ITT appearances! I loved the Mamma Mia number - Jenny looked so happy! The waltz was gorgeous and the jive was fun - and such a difficult first number!! And going 2nd and 3rd in weeks 2 and 3 - I think that explains the dance offs. Hopefully next season some better seedings! (is that the word? well you know what I mean :)
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Keri MacDougal
10/15/2014 04:39:40 pm
Wonderful interview. I can't thank you enough for this. It is like a big boost of positive energy and a gorgeous ray of sunshine. I always love hearing from Tristan and I love how he is always willing to take our questions.
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Nikki
10/16/2014 12:30:51 am
Love it! Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Tristan.
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Lola
10/16/2014 02:25:50 am
Loved the interview! I think it says a lot about his character that in spite of being giving a song he didn't like at all and couldn't change that because Jenny had such a good time, it became his favorite of their 3 performance. How about that? Love Tristan - he's the real deal.
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Josie C
10/16/2014 03:27:20 am
fun interview, He has great insight and a nice conversational approach that I like. Thanks!
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Anne Marie
10/16/2014 04:01:05 am
Wonderful interview. Tristan is very generous with his time and good to his supporters. Well done, Tristan.
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JT
10/16/2014 06:52:50 am
Fun interview. Thanks to Tristan for always taking our questions and for giving such generous answers.
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Linda Hayes
10/16/2014 07:07:44 am
Tristan, I always enjoy your interviews. Yesterday's was EPIC! So glad London seems like a good fit. Xoxoxo Pikie.
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Addison Z.
10/16/2014 09:55:29 am
Another fine interview, Tristan. Thanks for always making time for those who support you. Classy move!
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Stella
10/16/2014 10:05:35 am
I loved the interview and I think it's wonderful that Tristan continues to take questions from his fans. It is truly a lovely way of connecting with all of us who have supported him for so long as well as interacting with his new fans.
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Christina L.
10/17/2014 02:47:05 am
Another wonderful interview - thank you.
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Sophia
10/17/2014 03:37:17 am
There was so much information in these answers and I love that Tristan gave us so much. Thank you. This was a fine interview and I am one of those who has already left questions on the forum for next time. Excited!
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Marie Keating
10/17/2014 04:05:43 am
Such a lovely guy. I hope he's in Strictly next year!! Love watching him perform. Great interview! Thanks.
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Lola
10/17/2014 06:46:49 am
Thanks for this, Tristan. I'm very excited to see what's ahead for you and I know we will be seeing you again and again on SCD. Good times ahead!
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CC
10/18/2014 01:25:51 am
There was so much information here. Thank you Tristan. I always look forward to these interviews but this one might be the best yet.
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Andrea
10/18/2014 10:19:24 am
Another fun interview. Thanks Tristan to take all this time for your fans. It is very much appreciated.
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