Actress Jaime Winstone has revealed that a chance encounter with Taylor Swift at a party, where the pop superstar complimented her dancing, served as a decisive factor in her decision to join the upcoming season of 'Strictly Come Dancing.'
Winstone, 41, who had previously turned down the BBC show, stated that she felt ready to embrace the experience after turning 40 and wanting to "lean into this moment." She described music and dance as a significant part of her identity and admitted that "clear signs" pointed towards this year being her opportunity to participate.
One such sign, Winstone explained, occurred at a friend's birthday party. "I was just dancing as I do, and she came up to me out of nowhere and just said, 'Oh my lord, how do you dance so freely?'" Winstone recalled. "When someone of her calibre and status says that, it's a very clear sign!"
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Another "light bulb moment" for Winstone came upon hearing a lyric from Madonna's new album, "everybody get up and dance," which she interpreted as a personal message. Winstone also identified with Madonna's style, noting her own inclination towards "voguing" and a home adorned with disco balls.
Describing herself as a mother, an actor, and a "raver," Winstone acknowledged her unconventional dance style. "I'm not a controlled dancer, I've never done a dance lesson in my life and I've never done a routine, so I'm quite excited to see how I get on with that," she said.
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Winstone, daughter of actor Ray Winstone, has a career spanning over two decades with notable roles in films such as 'Made in Dagenham,' 'Bullet Boy,' and 'Tomb Raider,' as well as television appearances in 'Dead Set,' 'Poirot,' and the BBC drama 'Four Lives.' She also received acclaim for her portrayal of Barbara Windsor in the BBC biopic 'Babs' and reprised the role for 'EastEnders.'
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She will join a lineup of celebrities including actresses Lacey Turner and Delta Goodrem, reality stars Dani Dyer and Cach Mercer, and television presenter Will Best.
'Strictly Come Dancing' is scheduled to return to BBC iPlayer and BBC One on September 19.