Melanie Blatt Opens Up About Confidence Loss on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and Reflects on All Saints

Melanie Blatt, the singer best known as a member of the British girl group All Saints, has revealed that her experience on the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special significantly impacted her self-esteem. Paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, Blatt was one of six celebrities participating in the festive competition, which aired on Christmas Day according to the Daily Mail.

Impact of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

Blatt shared that the experience “stripped away” her confidence, leaving her feeling “extremely vulnerable.” She explained that it took “50 years to feel as good as I’ve ever felt about myself and Strictly stripped it away from me,” as reported by the Daily Mail. She noted that whereas nothing untoward occurred, she simply didn’t feel comfortable performing in a dress.

All Saints History and Challenges

Blatt’s reflections extended to her long and often turbulent career with All Saints, formed in 1993 with Shaznay Lewis and sisters Nicole and Natalie Appleton. The group achieved significant success in the late 1990s with hits like “Never Ever,” “Under the Bridge,” and “Pure Shores,” selling over 10 million albums worldwide as noted by TV Zone UK. Despite this success, Blatt admitted to feeling embarrassed by the band’s mainstream appeal, preferring a musical direction influenced by artists like Timbaland and Missy Elliott.

The band experienced multiple breakups and reunions. They initially disbanded in 2001, reformed in 2006, split again in 2008, and reunited once more in 2017 before going on hiatus in 2022. Blatt described the relationships within the group as “always a difficult relationship,” particularly due to the dynamic between the two sisters and the shifting friendships between the members.

Current Pursuits

Now, Blatt is looking towards new ventures, expressing a desire to focus on her passion for cooking. She hopes to create a cookery book or television program, potentially centered around cheeses from around the world. “My motivation in life is just to be happy,” she stated, adding that she has learned from past mistakes and now prioritizes “peace and happiness” according to the Daily Mail.

The full interview with Melanie Blatt is available in the April 2026 issue of Good Housekeeping UK, on sale February 26th.