It’s been ten years since Gleb Savchenko competed on Strictly Come Dancing alongside TV presenter Anita Rani.
Since then, the Russian-born dancer has built a long career on the U.S. version, Dancing With The Stars, but he still looks back fondly on his single season with the BBC One competition – a run that took him and Rani all the way to the semi-finals.
In an exclusive interview with Covers, Savchenko revisits his Strictly experience, praises his former partner, reveals who he’d like to see replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts, and explains the one major change he believes the show’s producers should make to the judging panel.
Key Takeaways
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Hard-working partner: Savchenko calls Anita Rani “one of the most hardworking people in the room"
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Host shake-up: He wants Rani to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as host
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Judging overhaul: Urges Strictly to bring back James Jordan and Brendan Cole as guest judges
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Reality check: Savchenko says being a pro is “freaking hard” and compares it to training for a sport
Savchenko heaps adulation on ex-partner
Reflecting on his 2015 season, Savchenko had high praise for his partner.
"With Anita, every week was so sick, every week we did such a great job," he told Covers. That girl worked so hard. I had to give it to her – Anita was one of the most hardworking people in the room.
She coped with me because sometimes I could turn into a Russian dictator with her. She really tried and really nailed it every week. We rehearsed so much – I had a really good time on Strictly.”
He said the experience left lasting memories, from early-morning tube rides to the chilly Elstree Studios.
"I only danced for one season, but it was cool. It was an experience, taking the tube every morning to rehearsals and being freezing cold in Elstree Studios. Then we went on tour to so many places."
Savchenko also praised current pro Katya Jones, saying her recent performance with Lewis Cope was "amazing."
"Katya is killing it!" he said. "I’ve known Katya and Neil Jones since their competition days, even before they got on Strictly. We competed and danced together, so they’re my friends."
Calling for ex-pros to return as judges
Savchenko said Strictly could learn from Dancing With The Stars by inviting guest judges to shake things up.
"It’s the same concept and the same show – one is in England and the other is in America," he said. "Both shows are similar but kinda different in a way. It would be fun for Strictly to start bringing the guest judges.
"In America, we have guest judges, like Cheryl Burke came in and Tom Bergeron is returning. Strictly could do the same thing – bring back James Jordan! He’ll be unhinged, telling what it is."
He also believes Brendan Cole deserves a chance behind the desk after being a show fixture from 2004-17.
"Brendan Cole also – bring him back," Savchenko urged. "Give an opportunity for an ex-pro to be a judge and let’s hear what they have to say. I’m not saying the judges aren’t doing a great job. Everyone who is a judge on Strictly is killing it – but put a fifth judge in between Shirley and Motsi, then let them say their opinion.”
And if producers are taking notes, Savchenko added: "Bring me back as a guest judge."
“Put Anita Rani as the host!”
Reacting to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s decision to leave the show, Savchenko had one clear replacement in mind.
"Put Anita Rani as the host! She’s funny and cool, a good person.
"Look, I love Tess and Claudia. I was only on for one season but Claudia is so funny. They’re also part of the brand – again, I’m not a producer, and there’s higher powers who could be changing whatever they need to be changing in order to keep the show going, so I don’t know. I think they’re both great, but let’s see who will be the next host."
The realities of life as a professional dancer
Savchenko said being a pro on Strictly or DWTS is one of the most demanding jobs in television.
"Listen, Dancing With The Stars is freaking hard – I don’t think people understand how hard it is," he told Covers. "This show and Strictly Come Dancing is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. When you’re in it, your mind locks in."
He compared the effort required to the commitment of elite athletes.
"Dance is not just an art form – it’s also a sport. If you take any kind of sport, it’s training, and you have to train your body and mind. The hardest thing is when you’re exhausted, frustrated, hungry, or you get a bad score – we as pros are also with them, doing it over and over again."
According to Savchenko, toughness and patience are what separate successful pros from the rest.
"The moment your partner overcomes that pain and everything, that’s where the growth is happening," he said. "Our generation is soft – I’m not talking about dance, but just in general. In order to overcome everything and to become better, you need to toughen up and do the work."
Behind the ballroom scenes
Savchenko gave insight into what a week looks like for a professional dancer on DWTS – a schedule that closely mirrors Strictly.
"Pros pretty much do everything," he explained. "We have a wardrobe department, music team, creative team, and we have these weekly meetings where we all get on Zoom and decide what we’re doing. The pros have to pitch everything – that’s a collaborative exchange of thoughts and ideas together."
He said preparation begins days before rehearsals with the celebrity partner.
"I prep everything prior before teaching the celebrities. I work three or four days before teaching a new dance. I have someone assisting me. In my previous seasons in Los Angeles, I had Alexis Warr. She was my assistant – she’s on Strictly right now, killing it and doing a great job."
