• Strictly Dance Fever
• News
• 31 May 2006

Dancing the Dream

JP and Stacey haven't let leaving dampen their enthusiasm.

Last Saturday saw JP and Stacey lose out on a place in the final. We chatted to them about their experiences at the Mansion and discoverd that the dream is far from over.

Were you surprised at the result this week?
JP: To be honest, I wasn't really surprised because I knew that the other three couples were technically better than I was.

Stacey: Yes and no. I know that we've had some fantastic public support throughout the competition and I thought we really did a good performance in our Salsa. I'm very disappointed we didn't get through to the final. But the competition is really hard and the standard's really high and I knew in my gut that we would be going home.

How did you think your routines went this week?
JP: They went well. We had a little bit of an issue with the Adagio. We really enjoyed the Salsa and I think the crowd enjoyed it as well. They were cheering and were having fun with us. The Salsa and the Adagio went well, but we knew we were going to be criticised for our technique.

Stacey: The toughest one was the Adagio. With JP not having any formal classical training that was the hardest thing for him to do. He achieved so much and I was so proud of him on Saturday night and he didn't make a fool of himself. From being a break-dancer to doing a classical piece I think is a huge achievement.

What did you think of the judges' comments?
JP: They were fare, to be honest. I knew I was going to be slated because I am not a ballet dancer and so I was expecting low marks. The Jade Goody comment to Stacey wasn't very fare, but I don't think Arlene was given a chance to explain herself. I've always respected what the judges have said.

Stacey: Arlene's comment about me being famous for nothing like Jade Goody, I thought there was no need for her to say that. I would have liked to have gone out with a bang. The comments we had the week before were fantastic.

Is there anything they said that you'll take forward with you?
JP: I think everything they said over the whole series... I will hopefully take on board and use in my dance career.

Stacey: I've learnt so much on the show. I've never worked with a partner. I've never done any Ballroom or Latin. I've learnt a lot about technique. I already knew I had awful feet. I've been teaching for thirteen years so I know all about my strengths and weaknesses but I've learnt more about myself as a person than about me as a dancer. I'm a lot stronger than when I went in.

What will you and won't you miss about the Dance Mansion?
JP: I won't miss the pressure and the stress. I'll miss performing Saturday nights. I'll miss Stacey and everyone else.

Stacey: I'll miss the banter, the people and the friends I made in the house. I'll miss having something to do every day. Whilst it may have got too much while you were in there, now I've come out I don't know what to do with myself. I won't miss the long interviews on the Sunday and I won't miss the early morning starts. It's been the most amazing experience.

Who do you tip to win?
JP: Darren and Lana or Darrien and Hollie.

Stacey: This is very difficult. Who I'd like to win is Hollie and Darrien. I think all three couples have worked so hard but I think Darren and Lana will win and they deserve it too. But because I shared a room with Hollie and Darrien and I've been on this journey with Hollie - since the recalls we've become very close -and I would love nothing more than for them to take the title.

Will you continue to dance with each other?
JP: I will definitely keep in touch with Stacey because I consider her to be family now. It's been a pleasure dancing with her and being with her for seven weeks and if we do get a chance to perform we'll definitely do it.

Stacey: I've asked him to come up to Nottingham and do some workshops with the children where I teach. JP will always be a part of my life. We shared something special together. We became very close in a short space of time.

What do you plan to do next?
JP: I'll definitely carry on dancing and I'll probably attend ballet lessons to try and improve my technique.

Stacey: This has stirred something in me because I've always wanted to perform in the West End. I enjoy singing and acting and I'm going to spend the next twelve months getting something out of this.

What would be your dream job?
JP: To either dance in a TV ad or perform in a show in the West End.

Stacey: I would love my own TV chat show – that would be fantastic because I love talking. I would also love to play Mama Morton in Chicago.

What have you done since leaving the competition?
JP: I've been to the cinema, I've been shopping and I've been to a restaurant with my friends.

Stacey: I've just spent time with my children and my husband. We've had curries – I said that was the first thing I was going to do. I've taken the kids to a toyshop and spoilt them rotten. And I've tried to get my head round being at home. It's very surreal.

Send us your comment now. We'll publish the best on this page.

Destiny
Well done JP and Stacey!!! JP keep up the break dancing!! If you get proper professional training you could make it big time!!!! good luck x

Clare in Hove
Stacey you hae shown the nation the true talent and dedication I've always known and loved about you! Such a shame you and JP had to leave so soon, you are such an amazing couple!!! Louis had both me and me mum in tears bless him, hope he's ok now! & what will Marley-Rae do now she can't see Graham every week?! *hugs ya both real tight* take care sweetie xx

Heather Rose
I think you were very good but its time to go for you because the other couples were at top standerd and most of them got a ten and you didn't so it was time to go.

Fran, Manchester
I'd just like to wish you both the best of luck. I've been voting for you from the beginning and hope you never give up dancing. You really touched me every week.

Rachel
You two were fab! You danced and always have danced with your hearts...it always put a smile on my face to see you. You have talent so please NEVER stop dancing...good luck!

Sue - Thatcham, Berkshire
All the best to Darren and Lana, my favourites to win the competition specially since the brilliant flamenco to 'Paint It Black'- Best wishes to the two of you!

louise london
you guyz were great! Dont let the fact that you've lost turn yourselves down you got that far so keep on rocking and trying again! You both danced your feelings and that made your dances more special than the others! Eat your hearts out! You were fab! You make a great dancing couple so loads of love to you both and I hope you achieve what you want in the future!

sue nottingham
go go go jp n stacey.you were fab tonight jp your mum n dad looked so proud of you and stacey you looked beautiful. you danced from your heart yet again.good luck and love to you both

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