• Strictly Dance Fever
• News
• 08 May 2006

Keep On Moving

Paul and Aravon won't let leaving the competition daunt them.

They may have been voted off the competition on Saturday, but Paul and Aravon are a determined pair. Here they talk about stepping out, life after Strictly Dance Fever and Arlene's "builder"s comments.

Were you surprised at the result this week?
Paul: To be honest with you, no. The judges were quite harsh, especially towards Aravon. It just felt like our time to go.

Aravon: Yes and no. I thought we had bigger public support. I know I did, being the age that I am.

How did you feel when you first heard the news?
Paul: I wasn't happy, but I kind of felt relieved a little bit. It was a long wait. Even though it was probably only ten seconds, it felt like a lifetime. It's like all the pressure is off. I was gutted that we're out of the competition because I wanted to be in the final, but it's not the end of the world.

Aravon: I actually didn't feel too bad. I felt crushed for Paul more than myself. I'm a mummy, I can get back to my kids and stuff. Paul does want a life as a dancer.

How did you think your routine went this week?
Paul: I don't think it went quite as bad as the judges thought.

Aravon: I don't think it warranted what they said. Watching it back, yes it wasn't absolutely fantastic, but for me it didn't warrant the twelve.

What did you think of the judges' comments?
Paul: It was harsh. They didn't really say anything negative towards me. They more or less picked on Aravon. I think what they said about being a builder, that was totally out of order.

Aravon: To be told that I danced like a builder was completely rude. I think she could have put it in the sense that I danced manly. She may as well have given me a slap in the mouth and I wish she had. I'm 38 and have had no formal training and that has never been taken into consideration. I don't think I got the recognition I deserved.

What will you miss about the Dance Mansion?
Paul: It's the lessons more than anything. It was an amazing experience in general. You get to perform every Saturday.

Aravon: i'll miss the Ballet, I really will. It was one of the highlights of the Mansion.

What's the most important thing you've learnt there?
Paul: Just to never give up. If you feel you can't do something just go for it.

Aravon: That I'm a really good person, because I got such lovely feedback from all the people in the Mansion. They were sobbing – they weren't even crying, they were sobbing at us going. I was treated like a mammy in the Mansion. I suppose I got a realisation that I'm a good person here.

Who do you tip to win?
Paul: I'll have to keep watching. I've got to see what the dances are like and how well everyone performs.

Aravon: Darren and Lana. Tip and hope!

Will you keep in touch with each other?
Paul: Of course we will. We'll be doing some demonstrations. She's a great woman.

Aravon: Very much so. My second husband, I call him.

What have you done since leaving the competition?
Paul: I chilled out with family last night and I'm going to meet my friends today and just have a little think about what I can do now.

Aravon: I'm still not home yet. I'm looking forward to seeing my family and stuff. I've never been away for this long.

Do you still want to be a dancer?
Paul: I'm carrying on dancing. This isn't going to stop me. It's just a stepping stone. I would have loved to have won the competition. It's been a great experience and a stepping stone.

Aravon: Oh, yes, very much so. Dancing is in my blood. I do it for a love of dancing more so than as a career. It will always be a part of my life.

What would be your dream job?
Paul: Just to be performing. There are loads of things I want to do. I want to be a performer on the stage, I want to be dancing in music videos and initially be choreographing my own stuff. Over the last few weeks I have proved that I can pick up different styles. Anything that gets thrown my way I will take it on.

Aravon: TV presenter. I want to be the female Graham Norton, please.