EXCLUSIVE: DWTS Judge Mark Wilson: ‘I Was Shocked This Year!’

TV favourite Mark Wilson is a little misty-eyed and has barely gotten out of bed when Women’s Day calls him to discuss the all-new season of Dancing with the stars.

But there’s a cute reason for the slow start. “I have a beautiful grandson. And he had his very first sleepover with Grandma (Annemarie, Mark’s wife) and Grandpa last night.

Bennett is only 13 months old. And he’s the lightest sleeper you’ll ever meet,” says the Brisbane-based star, who is also grandfather to two-year-old Elliot.

“I would pat him on the back and sing him a song. Then he went back to sleep. So we were doing our job as grandparents. »

Of course, the 61-year-old’s other, more prestigious job is judging celebrity dancers on the reality TV competition – and he says we’re all in for a treat this season.

Mark Wilson, you worked on Dancing with the stars for over 20 years – do you still enjoy this work?

Yes, because the show itself has just been refined and improved – the season ahead is breathtaking!

How does it compare to previous ones?

What I loved this season were the celebrities. They were competitive. But they were competitive with each other rather than being too competitive with each other. It was such a joy because they worked hard.

Did any of the celebrities surprise you with their dancing skills?

Spoiler alert, I was shocked! When they started to move, I thought, “What happened?

The audience is going to be so surprised. The change in some stars, who they didn’t expect to be a good dancer. You can see the ones who are really going to blossom.

Who do you think has been the best competitor over the years?

Luke Jacobz (who won the show in 2008 and again in 2021). As a man so free in himself, he was so comfortable in his own skin as an artist – he crossed the line between being a good dancer and a good artist to bring something deeper than just steps and choreography.

Who would you send special congratulations to?

Bec Hewitt (who appeared on the show in 2004 and 2021) and (2023 champion) Phil Burton – oh, what a beautiful ballroom dancer!

Who do you think was the least talented candidate?

Farmer Dave (David Graham in 2007) was the worst. It was just horrible to dance. And he knows it. And Derryn Hinch (in 2005), up there with the worst samba ever danced in the world.

I never got over his performance!

JESSICA RAFFA

“They become like brothers,” the 40-year-old professional dancer – who started on Dancing 15 years ago – says of the celebrities she has trained. “I love them.”

In fact, the mother-of-two – who is dating Adam Dovile this time – has started a side job as a personal trainer, with partner of Client 2023, Matt Preston. “He lost 14 kg on the show. We still train three times a week. These are the connections you make…living out of each other’s pockets.

ARIC YEGUDKIN

After 12 seasons on the series, the 38-year-old is still waiting for his dream dance partner! “I would love to have Kylie Minogue,” he says Women’s Day.

“She would be so good!” Unlike Dancing host Dr. Chris Brown! “He came to take a lesson before the show started. And I ended up teaching him to dance,” says Aric.

“He’s got two big left feet, so that was a challenge.” But luckily, he’s “really good” as an animator, he said.

Dancing With The Stars starts Sunday at 7pm on Seven & 7plus.

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