Don't Look Down - Interview with Kimberly Wyatt

10 October 2023

Why did you sign up for Don’t Look Down?
Well, ultimately, one in two people are affected by cancer, and I’ve certainly been affected by it through loads of family members and friends, seeing them suffer, losing them – I’ve just been affected by it so much, and you feel so hopeless. You feel like there’s nothing that you can do, watching them go through all of that. For me, this feels like something I can do, putting myself on a wire, learning to walk the wire, throwing myself into challenges, all for the greater good of raising awareness and, hopefully, a lot of money for cancer research.

How are you with heights?
I thought I was really good with heights [laughs]. But that first challenge on the bridge… I was with Charley [Boorman] for that one and as I was falling through the sky, this uncontrollable, guttural scream came from me that I didn’t know even existed… I was in tears afterwards.

Given your dance background, is there a certain skill level there when it comes to being able to balance?
I really thought all the years of ballet training I’ve had would come into play but even that first wire, that first day, we were all horrible, we were horrific, looking around like, “We are hopeless, there’s no way this is happening.” Then you start learning the tricks of the trade, and Jade [Kindar-Martin, lead trainer] and his team have been absolutely amazing. All those years of ballet really have come into play and helped me across that wire.

Victoria [Pendleton] is an incredibly athlete and a real leader when it comes to training. Her ability to fine tune all the details required to walk the wire has been inspiring to watch. Watching the footballers harness their athleticism from ability and stability on two feet to walking a wire with grace and humility has been fascinating. As a dancer, to see footballers in ballet pumps has been a real win!

Who have you bonded with most in the group?
I’ve bonded with everybody in certain ways. Victoria, I’ve always loved – she’s such a badass woman, always up for it, such a leader. She pushes me. Anton [Ferdinand] has just been a brilliant friend – he’s someone I can confide in. He’s the sweetest human, and he’s been through a lot in his life, not just cancer. David [Ginola], if we’re chilling, I’ll chill next to him because he’s so calm. He has a way about him, which makes you feel calm. Grace [GK Barry] has been fantastic – hilarious – and she’s overcome a lot to get where she is. She’s probably had the biggest growth. And Fats [Timbo] has been a lot of fun. She has a different physicality and the way she’s had to learn how to do it has been a whole different thing for her. It’s been amazing to see everybody step outside of their comfort zone and step up to the challenge.

Do you feel confident you’ll be able to complete the final challenge across a famous London landmark?
You have to be confident, don’t you? I’m able to put on a brave face. All the years of being a Pussycat Doll and being on stage, I know how to harness fear and stresses.

Don’t Cha just…
[Laughs] I like it! I know no matter what, on the day, it’s showtime, it’s time to shine, so I’ll make it happen. But there’s a humility that comes with it… you can’t just stomp across that bad boy, there’s no fierce walking.

What role has Paddy McGuinness been playing as the team leader?
We worked together in the past doing Dirty Dancing [on The Keith & Paddy Picture Show], so coming into this and seeing his sportsman, his athleticism come into play, as well as his humour, has been – he’s the most perfect person to root us all in the fact that, it’s a serious thing that we’re putting ourselves up to, but he always finds the fun in it. I adore him.

What was the toughest thing you faced during training?
I’ve realised I’m not Wonder Woman, I’m very much a normal girl trying to step outside her comfort zone and make things happen. Things outside of your control, trusting people, trusting equipment, it doesn’t always come easy. I’ve work hard to get to the point I’m at today.

What do you hope viewers take away from the series?
There’s a realisation that comes with doing this, I hope people watching can grasp the extent of the challenges. I hope our vulnerabilities are considered for what they are. It’s important to me because of the gravity of ‘why’ we are there and I hope people are inspired to donate. This experience has brought people from all walks of life with such different experiences together to do something together with a bigger purpose to help others. Everybody here has been affected by cancer and we’ve all been telling our stories. My dad is currently going through treatment as well as two more members of my family. So, on this show we have come together for Stand Up To Cancer to raise money and hopefully help to save lives.

What is next for you?
I have my Kimberly Wyatt Dance Academy in Surrey that I’m building… I [also] love to DJ and I love making music, so I’m building my show Don’t Cha Disco with dancers and dance breaks and everything.

What’s your go-to song to play?
Adele’s Set Fire to the Rain. And I have a great disco remix of Don’t Cha that gets everyone going!