Smooth Operators
We chat to Darrien and Hollie about last Saturday's dance-off.
Last Saturday saw Darrien and Hollie get universal praise from the judges - they even got a 10 from Arlene. We chatted to them about the whole dance-off experience and the pressure of learning not one, but three routines this week.
What was the atmosphere like before the show on Saturday?
Darrien: It was really nerve-wracking. But just before we went on I just said to Holly 'let's have fun with it' and it obviously came across that we did because we got good marks and good comments. Every week we just dance like it's our last time anyway.
Hollie: There are a lot of nerves going around and there's a lot of pressure because everyone just wants to perform their best. There's a lot of worry because people don't know if they're going to get through or not.
Can you take us through what happens before the show?
Darrien: On Fridays we get up and go the Television Centre and it gives us the chance to dance our routine on the floor, to get used to it and our positions. It makes you feel more confident when you do it, because obviously we're in the studios all the time. Then we come back to the mansion and keep rehearsing till 11 o'clock.
The next day we return to Television Centre but obviously you get excited and you're nervous. It's all mixed emotions. Then we go into make-up and get into costume and it gives you a feel for it. The band call is fantastic because it's the first time you hear your song. It's really good because it gets you buzzing for the night.
It must be like a first night every week?
Darrien: Because it's a different style each week you don't know how the audience is going to react, but it's really good. Everybody just gets dead excited. Everyone's there for each other and we all just egg each other on.
Were you pleased with your American Smooth?
Darrien: Absolutely. So delighted. It just shows that all the hard work we put in it just pays off.
Hollie: We were very pleased with it. That was one thing I had to work on because of my Hip Hop background which is very high impact. This was very different. I had to really try and be a lady and I'm a tomboy. But we pulled it off and the judges were very impressed.
What did you think of the judges' comments?
Darrien: Absolutely delighted. They could see that we'd really listened to them and had really taken things on board. We went out there and delivered what they wanted. It's just really nice to hear comments like that. It gives you more confidence.
Hollie: We were very pleased with the comments. For me, beforehand, Stacey said I had to loosen up my shoulders and be more feminine. I took that on board and worked on that the whole week and even if the marks weren't too good, I wanted them to see that I'd really listened.
What's been your favourite dance so far?
Darrien: I've loved them all. The Rock and Roll in week one, that was fantastic. But I loved the Guapacha as well just because we had such a hard week. It was such a struggle because Hollie injured herself. We loved the style of it.
Hollie: Probably the Rock and Roll þcos it's fun, quick and had lots of lifts in. I liked the Guapacha as well because that has kind of Street-like movements.
Who do you rate in the competition?
Darrien: Every week - because I don't get a chance to see everyone perform in the Mansion - you're just blown away by everyone. I love Stacey and JP because JP has improved so much. For anyone at home who wants to start dancing, at any age, he's such an inspiration.
Hollie: It's really hard, actually. I rate everyone in here because they all pull it together on Saturdays and they all have their different styles. I think everyone here is amazing in their different ways and with their different personalities.
You have to learn three dances this week, how's that going?
Darrien: Quite stressful. We had the Milonga to learn on the Monday, then the Lindyhop on the Tuesday, which are quite opposite routines. To fit two routines into three days, it's just so manic
Hollie: It's very stressful. I'm very worried at the moment. I'm looking forward to the Lindyhop because it's very upbeat.
Are you optimistic about getting through this week?
Darrien: I go out every Saturday night just hoping and praying that we get through. I go out there and really enjoy myself as if it is our last dance. Anyone could win this competition. People that have been favourites from the start have gone out. No one could go out there on a Saturday night and think about next week and start planning it. It's just wrong.
Hollie: Nobody's safe. You really don't know if you're going to stay or go so we have to go out there, put 100 per cent in and just go for it.
How would you sum each other up in less than five words?
Darrien: She's beautiful, she's funny, she's imaginative and a superb dancer.
Hollie: Stinky, kind, very caring and good looking.
What would be your dream job?
Darrien: To be dancing for Kylie.
Hollie: To become a female artist, singer and dancer.
What track gets you dancing?
Darrien: We've been listening to a lot of Beverley Knight in the house. Being in here you can't listen to the radio so I don't even know what's out there at the minute – and I love my music. I like everything.
Hollie: Michael Jackson songs always get me dancing. I like a lot of R 'n' B.
Send us your comment now. We'll publish the best on this page.
polly
Wow holly and darrien continue to amaze me every week, they look beautiful together. Best of luck guys, you deserve to win this competition!
Jp & Stacey.. its time to go.
sarah
hollie and darrien are the best! they are the best dancers there and work well as a team. HOLLIE AND DARRIEN TO WIN!!!
Jody Ford
I used to do gym with Hollie, she's always been very talented. I hope she wins, she deserves it!
Daisy
Just read the interview and peoples comments. Darrien you DID look GORGEOUS on Sat... you always do. You never fail to come up with the goodS Darrien. Hope Hollie relaises how lucky she is lucky to be partnered with you. The chemistry between you looks very good. Good luck. Thanks for making Saturdays so enjoyable.
Hayley Gall - (Darrien's dance partner at Anita Br
DARRIEN AND HOLLIE TO WIN!!! I used to go to the same dance school as Darrien in Eston and I got the privilege to dance with him for four fantastic years! Darrien is a great lad and a fantastic dancer, love him to bits! Darrien has made me soo proud just making it this far, but I know he has the determination and the dancing ability to go all the way to the top! Hollie is a great match for him and they will do great together. They will go all the way and WIN this competition they are both amazing dancers and great to watch! I wish them all the luck in the world! xxx
liam
Hollie and Darrien to win!
because there the only couple with technical facilty to countinue workin in west end show and videos after strictly dance fever ends!!!love ya both ur great!!
holly
i think darrien and hollie should win coz they are both amazin dancers and deserve it. If they dont win then darren lana should. But J.p and stacy i'm sorry to say but should of gone out ages ago.
Adam Partridge
You two blow me away every week the way you dance! Kepe on dancing like this and i cant wait to see you strutting your stuff in the west end!
Ania
Darrien and Holly are the best by far. They actually have talent. They should win!! Goodluck
Natalie
hollie and darrien are fantasic i have loved them since there 1st auditions !! gd luck 2 both ov u
Lucy
Darrien and Hollie definately the best (no questions!) and Darrien looked so sexy last sat.
Emmanuel
I love hollie and darrien because they havethe dance chemistr. i say they should win if not second.What a couple
sam
i am the bigest hollie n darrien fan ever they r the best on the show i vote 4 them every week they should win 100% hollie is amazing. goodluck guys!!XX
Natalie
Darrien and Hollie you guyz should win!! you've been the best each week and definetly deserve it!!If i was to send in a pair of sexy underwear i would be sending it to u darrien and not ben!!YOU'VE GOT MY VOTEXxXxXx
Bethany Thomas
Well done guys you have done it again. i love you guys you both know how to dance hollie you are fantasitic i love you and darrien you are great well done to both of you i have my fingers crossed for you guys to win ! !
Beth
Its fantastic, absolutely fabulous
molly
Darrien and Hollie are really good and should go all the way.......bring on the final!!!!!!
Josey
You were both brillient on Saturday. Your dance was just beautiful. Rooting for you to win. Loved you in the group dances too. There is no end to your talents! All the best.
Leanne
I love watching Strictl Dance Fever because i would love to be a dancer when i am older.I think the best couples are Darrien and Hollie and Ben and Stephanie, i hope either of them win!!And i think Ilene is too harsh on the competetors but i can see her point sometimes!
harry
wow, darrien and hollie you ROCK!!! best of luch for getting into the final
jennifer L
I just watch the video of Darrien and Hollie and you are both amazing dancers
*Sophie*
Darrien and Hollie you are fantastic! I thought Hollie was so so funny with Anton and I couldn't stop lauging...I don't blame her tho! You go dance your hearts out and I know you'll do well..You're both amazing daners and have a career ahead of you..Lots of love Sophie xxxx
bethany thomas
well done guys you have done a superb performance i will definetly vote for you every week remanining
sameeha
hey!hollie teaches hip hop at my skool(preston manor)and shes wikid man...my votes wiv u all the way hollie.luv sami(sameeha)
Kelly
Loved this dance and can't wait to see what else you both do together. You two deserve to win thats for sure - consistently good every week!
Hollie - Champ Dancer!!!
Darrien and Hollie are amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing!!! They should soooo win!!! LOL!! Good luck guys!!!
Niamh
I love Darrien and Hollie. I've watched Hollie over the past year and a bit and she's a fantastic dancer! They both deserve to win!
sophie
wow you two were superb, you are the only ones with the X factor hollie an darrien to win
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