CJ Miller, the 25-year-old trained dancer from Livingston, West Lothian, has become an internet sensation at the Commonwealth Games with his cleaning-inspired dance routines. Performing as the 'mop man', he has entertained crowds during breaks in play at various events, starting with the netball competition at the Ovo Hydro, where he danced to Queen's I Want to Break Free.
Viral fame and family surprise
Clips of Miller's moves quickly spread online, leading to international media coverage as far as Australia. Reflecting on the sudden attention, Miller admitted, 'I was thinking we were all just going to fly under the radar and there'd maybe be like a wee video taken by broadcasters, and that'd be it – but I was very wrong.'
His mother, Lisa, reacted with surprise. 'She always tried to make us clean but we couldn't live up to her high standards, so I think she just gave up and did it herself,' Miller said. 'We were talking yesterday. Is she shocked that something like this has happened? No. Is she shocked that it's to do with cleaning? Yes.'
Background and routines
Miller, who previously appeared in James McAvoy's film California Schemin' and Apple TV's The Buccaneers, was recruited through his agent for the undercover dance gig. He has been given creative freedom to develop his routines. 'I like to change it up a bit every time as I don't want people to get bored, especially since it's been all over social media and you can't get away from it,' he explained.
The crowd response has been enthusiastic. 'They started really strong at the weekend and people are still enthusiastic and involved,' Miller said. Despite his newfound cleaning fame, he admitted, 'That mop comes out when it needs to come out and not a second before. I'm quite handy with the hoover, but the mop, that's a pain in my backside.'
Final performance and Games closing
Miller completes his dance gigs on Wednesday. The Commonwealth Games close on Sunday with a ceremony at the Hydro headlined by Glasgow band Simple Minds.
