Ahead of his filming of last week’s Strictly Come Dancing, we were asked to train Peter Andre up, BMF style. Peter Andre and Janette Manrara danced the quick step on Saturday night, and the Strictly Come Dancing professional required her partner to be fit, fast and light on his feet. Keith Walkman, Regional Manager for British Military Fitness, had a trick or two up his sleeve to help out, so welcomed them to the park to put Peter through his paces.
It was clear from the moment he joined us that Peter was nervous about training with the military, but a big grin from Keith, and an introduction to what lay ahead seemed to put his mind at ease. We were all there to help him through!
The class wasn’t quite like a normal BMF session as it begun with the TV crew insisting Peter donned sweatbands and smeared cam cream on his cheeks, and he was given a green bib which was perhaps a little above what he was ready for! Keith’s directions to ‘side step’ were soon replaced by an opportunity to chasse (not to be confused with chassis, a word Keith admitted he was far more familiar with) but for the sake of the TV show we went along with it and found ways to incorporate it into the usual routines.
The exercises themselves definitely got Peter puffed, but fortunately for him, there were regular interludes when members of the public came to chat. Peter clearly loves his fans, and gave them all his full attention and focus while they chatted about the new series of Strictly. Whenever the fans then left again he’d comment on how wonderful they were, and how nice it was of them to come and say hello. You’d have thought it would be tiring but he seems to absolutely thrive off it!
Keith added, “He was a really nice bloke, he tried hard and was great fun. His dance partner, Jeanette, (not Janet!) was lovely too and I hope they go all the way in the competition.”
If you want to follow in the footsteps of Peter Andre, pop down to your nearest park for a free trial.