Bonnie Langford

onnie Langford - Torvill & Dean's Dancing On Ice Tour 2007.......Bonnie Gets Her Skates On Again!

Trevor: Hi Bonnie, wonderful to see you again and so exciting to be talking about you going back on the ice with the great Torvill & Dean on tour. Tell me, are you just a little bit excited?

Bonnie: I think I’m excited, but rather nervous all at the same time. It’s strange returning to something when there are new faces around – they do say ‘nostalgia is not what it used to be’ so I must embrace the changes. Also, the whole experience last year was one of wonder and surprise, I certainly think ignorance was bliss! Will I have too many expectations and will the team have too many expectations of me this time around?

Trevor: Since D.O.I. you have been very busy appearing in Chicago, Guys and Dolls, have performed Christmas Concerts with the Rte Orchestra, won The Weakest Link, appeared on Millionaire etc etc so have you had any time at all in your busy schedule to practice on the ice since the T.V. show?

Bonnie: I must admit, I have caught the Ice Skating Bug. Obviously, I have had to be aware of the job I’m doing at the time …while I was in Chicago, both physically and mentally I couldn’t really skate…However, the rink was a great place to go in the hot summer and we went a lot as a family. Also, I find skating both exhilarating and frustrating, so I have pushed myself to overcome my fears as much as possible. I’ve tried to put some ice miles on the clock!

Trevor: Now that you’re an old hand at this skating thing do you think the tour shows will be less daunting and even more enjoyable to do?

Bonnie: You must be joking!! I never dreamed I would ice skate, let alone with Torvill and Dean. The whole concept is both fantastic and hugely daunting. Goodness knows what’s in store for us all. I think it will be great to be in a company environment and a chance for us to bond and get almost into a routine a bit too. I’m sure it will be pretty tiring, but it’s a once in a lifetime experience, so I want to enjoy it as much as possible – I can sleep later.

Trevor: Have you seen the designs for your costumes yet and will they be as glamorous as you wore before?

Trevor: Now, the big question has to be – are we going to see you reunited with the main man on the ice, Matt Evers?

Trevor: How much of a part does “competition” play in the tour shows. Will you be skating to win or are the shows more about entertainment?

Bonnie: To me, the competition has always been with my own fears and failings. I do find watching the other skaters both ‘Pros and Novices (I hate the word celebrities)’ inspiring and illuminating. I think the whole show is about entertainment, challenge and fun.

Trevor: Judging by the venues chosen for the tour I would imagine the skating arenas will be bigger than the TV version. Is that true and will the extra space give you more room for expression in your routines?

Bonnie: The first two venues require a rink to be constructed on site, but I believe the rest are at ice venues – I gather they will be bigger than the TV show rink (which is deceptively small). It’s all a big learning curve for me and I guess the larger the rink the more speed we need which is fun but slightly freaks me out!

Trevor: Will you have to learn a whole new set of routines for the shows and will you be repeating the terrifying “head banger?”

Bonnie: I don’t know what’s in store yet. We don’t even get our ‘Champions’ routine until the week before, so who knows? I think we all have to have a ‘Bolero’ up our sleeves though.

Trevor: Why are some of the contestants from series one, not on the tour. There are names missing that might have been expected to take part?

Trevor: So many fans have been eagerly awaiting this tour and to see you skate again, the audience will be bigger and even noisier. Are you looking forward to another enthusiastic and electric atmosphere?

Bonnie: Of course, the more encouragement the better! The audience certainly help with creating an exciting atmosphere and it will be great to see the people who voted in person this time.

Trevor: I see that the lovely Karen Barber is amongst the Judges again, will she be assisting in coaching the routines in readiness for the show?

Bonnie: I think so. We love Karen, we have such a laugh and I feel that we are part of the ‘Family’. I really do have an ‘Ice family’ now – I didn’t think I’d ever say that in my lifetime!

Trevor: And the infamous Jason Gardiner is back too, do you think you can dazzle him again with a “Peachy Behind”?

Trevor: Have you been able to watch the new series and how do you think everyone is doing. Do you have a favourite to win yet?

Bonnie: I think the new series is great. I must admit, it does feel strange, especially when I hear the theme music. All the skaters are amazing and I couldn’t possibly show any favouritism!!

Trevor: Andi Peters is hosting the tour shows and not competing. Was this a decision made for his own safety do you think?

Trevor: Bonnie it’s been lovely to see you, as always, I know I speak for everyone when I wish you the best of luck with the tour and say that we’re all really looking forward to having a chance to see you skate in a live arena. I’m sure we’ll all be there waving and shouting support!

Bonnie: You were so overwhelming on my last ‘Ice escapades’ – it was brilliant to receive such support especially on those really tough, disheartening days. As ever, I really want to do my best for you guys – please come and join in all the fun. It will be a fantastic show – Jayne and Chris and all the team will make sure of that – I hope to see you all on the tour and will do my best to say hello to you and thank you for your support in person after the show, if it’s possible. Shout, cheer and text for us Bonnie and Matt - SEE YOU THERE!!!

Bonnie Langford Interviews

Torvill & Dean's Dancing On Ice Tour 2007

The Chicago Interview

Dancing On Ice Interview

The 2005 Interview