Dancing With The Stars: Rachael Finch

How do you feel this morning?
Well, I’m feeling good actually. I’m eating my muesli and yoghurt and now I’m fine. I had a little bit of a cry when I was eliminated because it was upsetting to have to leave but I’m fine now.

What sparked the tears?
Saying goodbye to the cast and crew because you form such a close bond with everyone. The fact that my dad and stepmum were in the audience and I desperately wanted to make them proud. The tears just flowed.

What was going through your mind when Daniel announced who would be going home?
It’s the longest wait ever! It was almost as bad as the final of Miss Universe, waiting to see what place I’d get there! I saw Daniel start to roll the R from ‘Rachael’ from his tongue and in my mind I was going ‘Oh no! Take it back!’ I really didn’t want to go, but someone’s got to go and unfortunately this week it was us.

Before signing up for DWTS, had you done much dancing before?
Yes. On my loungeroom floor! Singing along to Abba’s Dancing Queen into my hairbrush!

What’s harder? Modelling, dancing or appearing on Celebrity MasterChef?
Dancing was incredibly hard because in modelling I’m used to standing with my weight back and my legs straight and my heel down first, but dancing is the complete opposite. Body weight forwards, toes down first usually. It’s just a completely different process. Celebrity MasterChef was really hard too but obviously in a completely different way because you’re under so much pressure to cook something amazing. I think DWTS and MasterChef are the two hardest reality programmes around. I’m definitely not attempting a singing reality show next, there’s no way!

Did you find that your body changed through the training for the show?
Yeah, it’s tough, my butt’s pretty sore that’s for sure! I coped OK with the training because I love to exercise on a daily basis. I play touch football and I waterski and one of my faves is waking up on a Sunday morning and running along Bondi beach. I’ve always lived a very active lifestyle but dance forced me to move muscles I’ve never moved before.

It really was that tough?
Yes, because it’s a different type of physical exertion incorporating every part of your body but it’s also a spiritual energy as well. You have that spiritual connection with your partner, plus it’s physically and mentally challenging and it can be quite emotional too because you pour your heart into your routines. All with glitzy costumes!

When did you and Michael hit it off?
It was an instant click between us. The connection you form with your partner on a show like DWTS can be a very strong thing so right from the start, we just clicked.

What was Michael like as an instructor?
Michael is very patient and caring. He had so much understanding of what I was going through in terms of learning the routines and he supported me all the way. So many times I’d be down or frustrated with the fact I couldn’t get the step and then Michael’s there to say ‘Come on Rach, you’ve done so well to get this far, it’s only a few more steps,’ He’s incredible, he supported me every step of the way and I’m fortunate enough to get to see a side of him no one else does. We’re very happy.

So what’s the plan for you two now?
Well, we’re both in Sydney so we’ll definitely carry on dancing together. I’ve still got his phone number and I think he’s still got mine. Well see what happens!

You had a rocky road with Todd, who judged you and Michael quite harshly sometimes. How did you feel when he called Michael ‘arrogant’ after your tango routine?
It was tough because that happened on the second episode and you think ‘wow, is this how tough he’s going to be on us every week?’ You’re on such a high after each routine and you’re like ‘wow did I just do that?’ You’re absolutely ecstatic and then when the judges don’t like it you get a little bit deflated. I knew what Todd could be like before I started. We turned it around for other dances and got great praise too, which makes it all worthwhile.

So how did you leave it with Todd?
With a smile which is how it should be left. He provided feedback on all different levels to all of us and after the tango comments, Michael and I just focused on the next dance. His comments make DWTS such and interesting and exciting show, you never know what’s going to happen next!

Apart from Michael, who else became a good friend to you on the show?
Tamara is an incredible girl, I absolutely love her to bits. She’s so strong with everything that’s going on in her personal life too, something of the nature of what she’s going through, whether you’re in the public eye or not, is incredibly tough, and we’re all incredibly proud of her. I really hope she does well. I’d love to see either her or Rob Palmer win.

What have you got coming up next?
I’m writing a book for girls on self-esteem, teaching girls about inner beauty and having the confidence to achieve their dreams and to get where they want to get to in life. I also really want to carry on in TV, there are lots of exciting things in the pipeline for me and it’s where my passion lies right now. I can’t wait for whatever’s next!

By Melissa Field