Caithness choreographer takes on Sky One 'Show Boaters' judge role

A CAITHNESS choreographer is set to hit the nation’s TV screens in a brand-new reality show.

Nicky Alexander (43) will be one of the judges in Sky One’s new show, Show Boaters.

The programme, which has been described as the cruising world’s answer to the X Factor, sees 10 amateur entertainers compete on the Thomson flagship cruise liner, Dream, around the Caribbean.

The winner will receive a contract with the ship’s prestigious entertainment troupe this winter.

Nicky enjoyed being a judge on the show, but said the contest was not for the faint-hearted.

"All the contestants desperately want to win and be part of the show team. But we’ve had to be pretty honest about who has got what it takes.

"At the same time, we did understand that they were only amateurs and we were motherly towards them as well as tough."

He added: "Cruise ship entertainment is not for the faint-hearted, despite what some people may think, our productions are of a West End standard. There are some tears and tantrums along the way but I hope people enjoy watching the show as much as we enjoyed making it!"

As well as being one of the judges, Nicky also worked as the series choreographer, creating the dance routines which the participants had to perform.

Those taking part include a 56-year-old hairdresser and a 21-year-old steelworker.

As well as performing their hearts out each week in front of the critical eyes of the passengers and judges, the wannabe entertainers will also integrate themselves into everyday life on board a top cruise ship.

Sailing in the Caribbean is a far cry from Nicky’s childhood in Caithness.

Born in Wick, he left high school at the age of 15 to join the Edinburgh Theatre School of Dance and Drama.

He then joined a drama school in London before embarking on his career as a choreographer.

He got his big break when he went to work for UK production company The Peel Entertainment Group.

Since then, Nicky has gone on to work as a choreographer on major productions such as Beatrix Potter on Ice. He has worked with Scottish Opera and on the Chinese State Circus tour of Dubai and the World Magic Convention at Blackpool Opera House.

He also worked as a series choreographer for circus reality show Cirque de Celebrité in 2006.

Nicky currently lives in Keighley in West Yorkshire.

He will be joined on the judging panel by his work colleagues, Mollie Daley and Stephen Guy.

The first episode of the show will be shown on Tuesday, September 13, at 8pm with the grand final due to air on Tuesday, November 1.