Ten years ago, Aquabatix filmed that iconic scene of Aquabatix synchronised swimmers lifting comedian and TV presenter James Cordon out of the water in slow motion captured during the popular Sky TV show A League Of Their Own synchronised swimming challenge. Fast forward a decade, and Aquabatix was called back, this time to Singapore, for round two.
Former Liverpool footballer Jamie Redknapp was back, but this time joined by former Manchester City footballer Micah Richards, along with comedian Alan Carr and TV chef Big Zuu. Aquabatix called upon their synchronised swimmers based in Singapore and Malaysia to help out, with experienced synchronised swimming choreographers Adele Carlsen and Katie Fried flying out to join them. Two teams, red versus blue. In the red corner we had Jamie Redknapp, back after finishing last in the previous ALOTO synchronised swimming challenge and Alan Carr, and waving the blue flag was Micah and Big Zuu. Micah, who was unable to swim, was feeling somewhat more daunted by the challenge than the others.
Aquabatix worked with production to find suitable music choices, settling on music from global sensation Lizzo for the blues and a South East Asian version of Abba’s Gimme Gimme Gimme track for the reds.
The teams met up at a beautiful outdoor training pool for rehearsals. Having been taught the choreography in advanced, the synchronised swimmers eagerly awaited the arrival of the celebrities, who were yet to find out what was coming. As soon as they arrived, the teams sprung into action. As well as teaching the choreography, we also had to teach the celebrities synchronised swimming movements. Thankfully the pool was shallow, so they were able to stand on the floor of the pool to help out. Remembering how to do the skills, counts to perform them on, where to be in the formation as well as the choreography in water, learning synchronised swimming is not an easy task, even for former athletes. The athletes competitive nature was also starting to show between Jamie and Micah, who were keeping tabs on how well the other was doing and trying to distract them. Whilst not being able to swim, Micah took surprisingly well to the water, and along with the laid back personality of Big Zuu, both showed off their natural rhythm in the rehearsals. Meanwhile, it was taking Jamie and Alan a little longer to adapt to the skills and remembering the routine.
Time was up. After a quick break and transporting over to the incredible Marina Bay Sands hotel, it was time to get on the suits and take up the challenge. Staged in the beautiful rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Singapore skyline, the teams took to the water, in front of three professional synchronised swimming judges, including an Olympic judge. Camp would be an understatement for the red team, with Alan dressed in a red halter neck swimsuits like the rest of the team and Jamie in some slightly smaller sparkly red briefs. With an added cowboy hat they would not have looked out of place at G.A.Y. Meanwhile Micah and Big Zuu appeared in cheerleading inspired swimwear, with pom poms. Both teams were ready, but who was going to be crowned synchronised swimming champion? Watch Episode 1 here to find out.
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