So You Think You Can Dance Nigel Lythgoe: 'A guy could win this year'

The final 20 dancers take to the stage as the live rounds of So You Think You Can Dance begin on Saturday, April 16 on BBC1. Judge Nigel Lythgoe tells us more...

After months of auditions, are you pleased with the final 20 dancers?
"The talent this year has been much stronger and I think we've got a very diverse group of talented dancers in all different styles. I think they are starting to realise what's expected of them and that helps. It's always interesting when we start giving them dance styles that they can't do. You may be a great ballroom dancer – but can you spin on your head?"

Are you still reality TV's Mr Nasty?
"I don't believe I'd ever really been nasty on Popstars and I don't believe we're nasty on ...Dance. We're just very honest and we try and maintain the integrity of ...Dance as well as the performer. We do trust that we are being constructive in our critiques."

We hear there's going to be a group dance on each of the live shows...
"The group dancing is one of my favourite parts. It's where I started as a kid, so it's like going full circle for me. We could start the Young Generation again... or Arlene and I could start the Old Generation!"

Charlie Bruce won the series last year. What will it take to win this year?
"Charlie was the absolutely perfect winner; she was a beautiful girl and a beautiful dancer with a lovely personality. But I have a feeling that a guy might win this year. Male dancers tend to be stronger and can do more tricks - and tricks often win the day rather than a great, strong technique."

Is there anyone we should look out for?
"Nobody knows how the dancers will grow across the series, especially the untrained ones. They can either fall at the first hurdle or become so powerful that they take you on an incredible journey."

*So You Think You Can Dance goes live from Saturday April 16 on BBC1.