Matt Goss has ben a resident singer in Las Vegas for more than two decades
Matt Goss has been a resident singer in Las Vegas for more than two decades (Picture: Rex/Metro.co.uk)

Singer Matt Goss, 53, on moving back to London after 25 years, why he’s signed up for Strictly Come Dancing and a possible new Bros documentary.

You’ve moved back to the UK after 25 years in the US. How does that feel?

It feels good! It’s been a big move. I left everything – I sold my cars, my place – and went straight into promo and then announced Strictly, so I’m exhausted.

My dog Reggie’s not here yet. It’s like some military operation to get him over. He’s my best mate. My dream is to walk through a London park with him.

Your new single Are You Ready is about a new life. It’s quite autobiographical.

Exactly. I think we’re all ready for that. We’ve all learned a lot and found out who’s meant to be in our lives and who’s not, who’s gone that extra mile.

Some of us, me included, have been surprised by people you thought were just acquaintances who’ve really stepped up.

I wrote the song in the studio on my last trip to London along with The Storm, which is one of the best songs I’ve ever been a part of.

Matt Goss singing.
Matt during a special performance celebrating 10 years as a Las Vegas headliner in 2019 (Picture: Denise Truscello/WireImage)

What made you move back?

I had three months here earlier this year, the longest for years, just going to the park and playing frisbee.

I felt very fortunate and decided it’s now or never. It was the first time I’d recorded in London for a long time too and everything seemed to click.

My album The Beautiful Unknown was the number one independent record and number seven national record – it was like the universe was saying, what more do you want?

Bass player Craig Logan with Matt, centre, and Luke during their Bros big time back in '88
Bass player Craig Logan with Matt, centre, and Luke during their Bros big time in ’88 (Picture: Shutterstock)

You talk about superstitions in your documentary After The Screaming Stops…

Yeah, I got the p*** taken out of me for that! I stand solidly behind it. Like many working-class families, we were crippled by superstition.

You’re always fearful something bad’s going to happen because, frankly, you’re always on the verge of not being able to afford your next meal and that’s how we grew up.

It was never, ‘Oh, everything’s fine.’ I have a great deal of faith and I love God. My faith has got me through a lot and it’s my telephone line to my mum, my sister, my grandad, Nana and Johnny, my bodyguard. I’ve lost so many wonderful people in my life.

Blond bombshell Matt at London's Oxford Street HMV at the height of Bros
Blond bombshell Matt at London’s Oxford Street HMV at the height of Bros (Picture: Ilpo Musto/Shutterstock)

What made you decide to take part in Strictly?

I have no idea! I took the phone call from really lovely people and I thought, ‘You’re going back to the UK and you’ll end up hiding in your new home.’

But I don’t want to be reclusive – it’s an emotional conversation for me because I was becoming absurdly private in Vegas, which wasn’t good for me. I have a slight social anxiety, which is hard to admit, but I just want to live and enjoy. There’s not one piece of me that is taking Strictly for granted.

I know it’s a real skill that the dancers have. It’s going to be a learning process and I’m looking forward to that as well as changing shape a little bit. I want to push myself. I’m definitely nervous but I’ve got good butterflies about it. I haven’t had those in a while.

And I’m quite fit. For an old man I’m doing alright. I’m still a 32in waist!

How does Poland Syndrome affect you?

It affected my confidence for years.

I might not have the best posture because I’m basically missing a pectoral muscle. But a few years back I saw an American swimmer win a silver medal and the commentator said he had Poland Syndrome [a rare disorder characterised by underdeveloped muscles on one side of the body] and I was in tears because, for the first time in my life, I realised it had a name. I remember as a kid, I had 12 doctors around me all going, ‘Oh, what’s this?’

It doesn’t have any bearing on me now, it’s just who I am. We’ve all got our issues, including me.

For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of Matt Goss, who has been announced as the eighth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2022. Issue date: Monday August 8, 2022. See PA story Showbiz Strictly. Photo credit should read: BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.
Matt was unveiled as the eighth Strictly contestant last week (Picture: PA)

What does Luke think about you doing Strictly?

He says, ‘You’re gonna smash it.’ He knows I’ll be committed. I think he’s happy for me because we’re both quite drawn to privacy.

A lot of people were surprised that I’m doing Strictly but before I do, I just want to sit with my emotions.

I’ve done my residency in Vegas for 11 years, 120 shows a year. It’s been one hell of a schedule. I haven’t had a second to just feel how I feel.

Matt Goss' Dog Reggie
Matt Goss’s dog Reggie, who is still en route from Vegas (Picture: Instagram/@mattgoss)

Isn’t there a Matt Goss Day in Las Vegas?

Yeah, it was on the day of the Strictly announcement, August 8. The eighth of the eighth. I was the eighth contestant to be announced. My life number is eight. And it’s my mum’s birthday. So it was kind of divine.

You’re writing a self-help book and you’ve also agreed to star in the film Cobbler Killer Stranger…

Cobbler Killer Stranger 
is a phenomenal story. We’re casting now. The character’s extremely dark and sinister but he’s also really charismatic.

Are you and Luke doing another documentary?

Luke wants to film making a new record, which would be an undertaking because we do not really speak each other’s language musically. I’ve been doing my thing for a long time as a songwriter and he has a strong opinion about what he wants.

Matt Goss’s new single Are You Ready is on Lewisham Records/Orbital Digital

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