As one of Australia’s most popular comedians, Felicity Ward sure knows a thing or two about landing a punchline.
From her debut at the Melbourne Fringe Festival in 2008 and selling out shows in the years that followed, to appearances on Spicks and Specks and her more recent role in the Aussie version of The Office, the 44-year-old has been making audiences laugh on stage and screen for years.
And while the past few weeks have proved she also knows how to land a pretty damn good paso doble, the Dancing with the Stars contestant admits both her body and her ego have taken quite the beating while boogieing around the dance floor with her on-screen partner, Aric Yegudkin.
Here, she chats to WHO about her “angel” co-stars and pushing her body to the limit.
WHO: How did you feel about swapping stand-up for sequins? Did it take some convincing to sign up or were you all in from the start?
Felicity: I was so, so excited when I got the call. I nearly screamed. I have never felt more sure about doing anything in my life … until the end of the first day of rehearsals! Then I was like, ‘Oh, I am so unhealthy, out of shape, untrained and not as good at dancing as I thought.’ So I just had to work harder than I ever have on anything in my life.
How has your body – and ego – been fairing after the performances?
So we got to rehearse a bit before the performances and that’s when the body got really sore. I had to keep saying to Aric, ‘I understand what you’re saying but I don’t know how to apply that to my body.’
And then he would put my body in that position and then I would say, ‘This is inhumane.’ Somehow, I would have to have pelvis forward, but shoulders down, but feet turned out, but chin down, but also middle finger pressed down, but both arms out, but in his arms, but also just behind him, but also to music.
And my ego? Ooft. She took an absolute pounding.
Have you bonded with your fellow contestants over the experience?
I could not have asked for a better group of people. Every single one of them was an angel.
The girls set up a group chat as soon as we met. And it’s been flaring back up now the show is airing.
And don’t get me started on Aric. One of the single most original humans I’ve ever met. A constant surprise. Every day, he would say something and I would say, ‘How are you a real person?’
What’s been your favourite part about your time on the show?
This is so corny, but there is barely anything that isn’t my favourite part of the show. My friendship with my bro Aric.
Learning how incredible ballroom dancing is. Learning how to thrive when things are hard.
Meeting all the contestants and dancers, and making friends for life. Getting to wear the most insanely camp pieces of costume that I will ever have on my body. Every single person in the crew and production.
Can you tell I love it? I don’t know, maybe I’m not making it clear.
And what has been the hardest part?
Having to keep getting up. Tired? Got to get up and keep dancing. Move too hard? Got to get up and keep dancing. Missing my kid? Got to get up and keep dancing. Don’t think I can pull it off? Got to get up and keep dancing.
But it’s also been the best lesson. Like not having a choice. Just learning how to thrive in the intensity and challenge of it all.
Will it be difficult to get back on stage minus the heels and sequins now to do your stand-up shows?
Who said I can’t wear heels and sequins in comedy? Maybe it’s my new angle. Doing stand-up while also doing the Viennese waltz. Be right back, just copyrighting an idea!
Who are you raising money for on Dancing with the Stars and why did you choose them as your charity?
Djirra is my charity. They’re a beautiful First Nations charity that shares culture and traditions, and provides support for all Aboriginal women and particularly Aboriginal people who have experienced or are experiencing family violence.
I chose them because I feel it’s a great privilege living with the oldest living culture in the world.
Dancing with the Stars airs Sundays at 7pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.
