They are due to hit the stage as the reunited Pussycat Dolls – but the group has no intention of toning down their racy outfits.
The girl band, now comprising Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt, Ashley Roberts, Carmit Bachar and Jessica Sutta, have had their UK tour postponed for a third time due to Covid.
But when it does finally happen, they will still proudly be wearing the sizzling costumes which drew hundreds of complaints during their X Factor comeback performance in 2019.
Kimberly, 39, reckons it’s time we stopped being hung up on what women wear and can’t understand why her group get slated for skimpy dance outfits – but participants on Strictly don’t.
“It makes me so sad that people are so hung up on costumes,” she says. “Strictly, it’s so well revered and the costumes we wear are dance costumes.
(Image: Handout)
“For me it makes no difference from costumes that I’ve worn while growing up and being a competitive dancer.
“As a dancer when you go out to perform, you wear certain things and that goes for every age.
“I think the Pussycat Dolls stand for being empowered females.
“I hope we’re able to embrace females with whatever they choose to do, whatever they wear and however they choose to express themselves.”
The comeback tour was originally due to start in April last year before being postponed to last autumn and then again to next month.
This has now been delayed again, with new dates yet to be confirmed.
But if you want to see the foxy fivesome you’d best check them out while you can – as Kimberly hints it could be the final time they perform together.
(Image: PA)
She adds: “We have fans excited all around the world and I know we’re all excited to share the stage again – even just for one last time. We’re ready as soon as the world will allow.”
But they will be without group member Melody Thornton, who chose not to take part.
Kimberly says: “It’s been really tough to see that Melody didn’t want to come back to join the Dolls but you’ve got to respect that. I’m just proud of her for making a strong choice and staying true to herself.”
(Image: DAILY MIRROR)
Kimberly was one of four members to leave the Pussycat Dolls in 2010 amid talk of a fallout with Nicole.
So she understands what Jesy Nelson – who announced last December she was leaving Little Mix for the sake of her mental health – is going through. “I know exactly how it feels,” says Kimberly.
“I’ve been in her shoes before and had to make the decision to walk away because I needed to feel good mentally and physically.
“If you don’t, your health factors can take over and work against you, so I think it’s a really brave thing to do.
“I’m sure she’s feeling the pressure, but she’s got to take care of her first and I hope that she feels empowered in her decision rather than judged.
“I hope to reach out to her and give her a source of someone who does understand and is there for her.”
(Image: PA)
But the American admits you can’t always guarantee you’ll have the same success as a solo artist.
She says: “The success of the Pussycat Dolls or of Little Mix – you never know if you can compete with that.
“But you have to stay focused on the things that you have control over, and be grateful for the opportunities that come your way. You just never know.”
Kimberly also reveals she’s been rejected from Strictly Come Dancing
for being “too professional” after bandmate Ashley was criticised when she took part in 2018. So instead, she fancies another role on the show.
“Strictly feel I’m too professional to be a contestant, says Kimberly. “So as much as I’d love to learn ballroom, my experience as a dancer holds me back from competing, but maybe they’ll take me as a judge.
“I think it’s a fab show, so in any way that I can be a source of inspiration or help within the dance world, I’m there.”
The singer, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2015, is also thrilled for Nicole, who is loved up with former rugby star Thom Evans.
“Thom’s a lovely guy and I’ve known him for a while now,” she says.
“We’ve been to similar parties and I’ve run into him and his brother because they lived close to us, so I was happy to see her and Thom together.
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“It’s just nice to see Nicole happy and comfortable and content and loved-up. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Kimberly, who’s married to model Max Rogers and has children Willow, seven, Maple, four, and Ford, 18 months, also plans to take her family on tour.
She adds: “I can’t wait to share the experience with them and show them how much work goes into behind the scenes to create the performances and to be a Pussycat Doll!”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
