Nigel Lythgoe Weighs in on Lacey Schwimmer, Fat Dancers

• Nov 13, 2008 04:39 PM ET
• by Erin Fox

Lacey Schwimmer and Lance Bass

Beware So You Think You Can Dance wannabes — Nigel Lythgoe, who serves as judge and executive producer of the hit reality dance competition, has made himself clear: "I don't want a fat dancer."

When Nigel stopped in to TVGuide.com for a chat about the new season of Dance, we asked him about the recent controversial remarks made implying Dance alum Lacey Schwimmer and pro Cheryl Burke were a tad heavy for Dancing with the Stars.

Nigel said that even though he's the first one to call out a dancer for being overweight, "There's nothing wrong with being overweight if that is your fighting weight ... the weight you're at your best at."

As for Lacey specifically, Nigel says to critics, "Lay off her because she's a brilliant dancer." But, Nigel doesn't have such kind sentiments for anyone auditioning for Dance who may be overweight.

Nigel blasted, "I get a lot of fat dancers that come in to audition and I want to say to them, 'Darling, you're fat! Not just overweight, but fat. Go on and do something about it."

He also said that he didn't want any fat dancers because "when the music stops, your body should stop, not wobble on for 10-15 seconds."

What do you think about Nigel's statements about fat dancers? Are you enraged or do you agree?

Watch our interview with Nigel, with the "fat" remarks beginning at the 1:30 mark.