Matt Goss has revealed he’s glad he was banned from Strictly Come Dancing ahead of Halloween week as his rare condition meant he would have been uncomfortable dressing in costume.
The 54-year-old pop singer of the ’80s has Poland Syndrome – a condition in which affected individuals are born with missing or underdeveloped muscles on one side of the body, leading to abnormalities that can affect the chest, shoulder, arm and hand.
And in a candid new interview, Matt revealed he’s “not as confident as people think” as he opened up on the condition that he “feels like a madman” at times.
Canid: Matt Goss has revealed he’s glad he was eliminated from Strictly ahead of Halloween week, as his rare condition meant he would have been uncomfortable dressing in costume
Matt and his pro partner Nadiyah Byckova were pulled off the BBC show in its fourth week after taking on Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima in the dance-off.
And although the star got emotional at the time for becoming the third celebrity to leave the competition, he thoughtfully noted that when he did, he was glad he left.
He told The Mirror: “I really think it was probably good to get out just before Halloween. I’m a confident man, but aesthetically and simply myself I’m not as confident as people think.
Condition: The 54-year-old pop singer of the ’80s has Poland Syndrome – a condition in which affected individuals are born with missing or underdeveloped muscles on one side of the body
The performer told the publication that he may have found it “difficult” to dress up in costume as his condition sometimes makes him “feel like a madman” and uncomfortable with his looks.
WHAT IS POLAND SYNDROME?
Poland syndrome is a condition in which affected individuals are born with missing or underdeveloped muscles on one side of the body, resulting in abnormalities that can affect the chest, shoulder, arm, and hand.
The extent and severity of abnormalities vary among affected individuals.
People with Poland syndrome are typically missing a portion of one of the large pectoral muscles called the pectoralis major. Most people affected are missing the large section of muscle that normally runs from the upper arm to the breastbone (sternum).
The abnormal pectoralis major muscle can cause the chest to appear concave. In some cases, additional muscles on the affected side of the upper body may be missing or underdeveloped, including muscles in the chest wall, side, and shoulder.
There may also be chest abnormalities such as B. Shortened ribs, and the ribs may be noticeable with less fat under the skin (subcutaneous fat).
Breast and nipple abnormalities can also occur, and armpit hair is sometimes sparse or abnormally placed. In most cases, the abnormalities in the chest area do not cause any health problems or interfere with movement.
Source: MedilinePlus
The birth defect is characterized by underdeveloped pectoral muscle and is more common in males, with Poland syndrome thought to affect between 1 in 20,000 and 1 in 100,000.
He added: “I have Poland Syndrome so I only have one breast which a lot of people have been made aware of so I’m glad Poland Syndrome [was brought to people’s attention]. I remember sitting down and tears streaming from my eyes as I watched the Olympics being given a name and not being given a name.
“A Poland Syndrome charity said it had never had this much publicity, and an 85-year-old man said he didn’t know what it was called until he read the article. Because people are looking at you and it’s like ‘what’s up’ you feel like a madman and now I feel like who I am.
when will i be famous The hitmaker also shared that despite his charisma on stage, he struggled to show his emotional side on the show, noting that it should be allowed “to reveal ourselves at our own pace.”
He added that at the time of his elimination he was “ironically” beginning to come out of his shell, before adding that the reception and kind words from the public had been “overwhelming”.
Last month, Matt said the challenges of being on the popular TV show improved his posture and confidence.
Matt, who is trying to raise awareness about Poland Syndrome, which he’s had since birth, said the way he’s approached Strictly’s demanding dance routines shows he’s “not disadvantaged” by it.
During a week on the show, the judges were criticized by some fans for being overly harsh on the Bros singer after Anton du Beke compared his body to an “unmade bed”.
But Goss, who worked on the program with Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova, said: “My posture has improved since I’ve been wearing Strictly.
“I want to say to the judges that you made me improve on this and be proud of my stance. I want to thank you. It’s a journey for me – I’m getting stronger every week.”
Honest: In a candid new interview, Matt revealed he’s “not as confident as people think” as he opened up on the condition that he “feels like a madman” at times.
Farewell: Matt and his pro partner Nadiyah Byckova were voted off the BBC show in week four after taking on Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima in the dance-off
He added that he feels “elegant” in his dancing and that he thinks his grandparents, who inspired the routine, would be proud of what he’s achieved.
He credited the show’s “very caring” costume team who produce his outfits.
“It was one of my favorite things about the Strictly experience,” he said. “The costume team was quite strange at first, but from the beginning they were always very nice and discreet – that really touched me.
Truth: I really think it was probably good to get out just before Halloween. I’m a confident man but aesthetically and simply I’m not as confident as people think.
“I have one pectoral muscle on the right side instead of two. The lower one is missing, but the upper one is fine and strong.
“When I have a jacket made, it pulls more on the right side. I have it tight on the right so it balances my left side. Slim tailoring is good for me and my breast shape dictates my fashion.”
Goss also revealed that with his newfound body confidence, he plans to re-shoot famous ’80s Bros photos. “No one will ever have noticed, but I’ve often posed to cover that side of my chest,” he said.
“After Strictly, I plan to retake these pictures and show my chest. These original images tell a story – I was confident at the time.”
Hart: The singer also shared that despite his charisma on stage, he struggled to show his emotional side on the show, noting that you should be allowed “to reveal yourself at our own pace.”