Strictly Come Blogging

Louise. Lou. Loulabelle. Loulabelle44. Louby. loulabelle44@outlook.com.
Proudly blogging about Strictly Come Dancing ALL YEAR ROUND since 2006. Always spoiler-free.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Robin Windsor

I was shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of former Strictly pro Robin Windsor.

Robin was a breath of fresh air when he joined the pro line-up, bringing new choreography and teaching styles to the ballroom. 

My mum and I once accosted him in Paddington station. We were on our way to Cardiff to see Strictly Presents... Dance To The Music, which Robin was starring in. We had bought tickets for Cardiff because it wasn't coming to London. I saw Robin walk cross the station and take a seat. He was obviously waiting for the same train, and I simply had to say hello. He seemed surprised to be recognised, but chatted for a minute or two. We waited at the stage door after the show as well, and he was equally lovely. 

Here is a clip of him before he joined Strictly, performing with Burn The Floor at West End Live, alongside other future pros Kevin Clifton and Trent Whiddon.


And here is a clip of him performing at Wembley on the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour with Patsy Kensit.


Goodnight, Bobby. You will be missed.

Monday, November 27, 2023

Monday Musings: Week 10

With so few couples left in the competition, everyone is now fighting for their places. And while there can be no 'shock' eliminations at this point, anybody really could be in the dance-off.

Layton & Nikita were up first with a somewhat disjointed American smooth. On paper, It's Oh So Quiet looks like a good song choice. It has light and shade baked right in. It has crescendos and stillness. Yet somehow it didn't translate into a coherent ballroom number. I think they did a good job, it just didn't pop. Layton's foxtrot footwork was excellent with a lovely toe release and a neat heel turn. But some of the faster parts were a bit wild and loose. I think it is the sort of dance that requires multiple viewings. But there's no time for that on Saturday night.

Throughout Nigel & Katya's rumba, I was distracted by the curtain on the left, which seemed to be waving at an unnatural rate. Which doesn't say a lot for the dance. There was a lot of wafting, and not as much content as I would like. I liked the musicality though, although when I wasn't looking at the curtain, I was looking at Katya. Was Nigel even in this number? I barely noticed him.

While I love a good rock song for drama, you just cannot beat traditional paso music, and the music really elevated Annabel & Johannes' routine. She continues to get better and dance without inhibition. It's wonderful to see. Her paso had attack and drama. She looked in control. She still needs to watch her facial expressions - at times she veered from intensity to nothingness.

The thing I noticed most about Angela & Carlos' cha cha was how neat Angela's arms were. Her free arm was on her hip for a large part of the dance, or tucked in. It was as though they had identified that it sometimes looks uncontrolled, and this was a way of keeping it in check. Cha cha is a hard dance to make interesting, and I thought they gave it a good go. They sold it, and I had a good time watching.

I really struggled with Bobby & Dianne's couples' choice. It seemed to me that production had decided that he needed to do a routine in tribute to his mother. I'm not sure this would have been his choice. The general public had a deep relationship with Jade that Bobby can probably never fully comprehend. I can't help feeling that production wanted to tug the nation's heartstrings in this way, and it may not have been Bobby's choice to do so. And it worked. Some of my friends reported that they were in bits. Cynical me wasn't so moved. The routine itself was a pleasant enough lyrical, contemporary number. It was nice. He danced it well, it was musical and because of the style it looked free. For once their height difference wasn't a factor. I liked it, but I'm not willing to be manipulated in this way.

Ellie & Vito's Argentine tango was outstanding. Gorgeous loose legs, lots of push and pull. Drama, tension, sexuality, musciality. A wonderful routine and was absolutely deserving of a place at the top of the leaderboard.

Ellie and Annabel were my favourites of the night. There are no bad dancers here, and picking the bottom two is difficult. It's probably right that Angela was in the bottom. I might have put Bobby or Nigel with her. 

There seems to be a lot of negativity towards Layton online because of his theatre background. So many people seem to have decided that that is not allowed on Strictly. I don't know where that comes from. Being a novice has never been a requirement.

Everyone still in the competition deserves to be there. They are all worthy, regardless of how much experience they started with. They have all entertained and worked their behinds off.

I'm going to be pausing the blog for a couple of weeks as I won't be able to watch, but I'll be back for the final!

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Sunday Service: Week 9

The problem with Blackpool week is that there is such a build-up to it, such a hype train, that we it arrives it often disappoints. Some of the judges get over excited. Some forget to pack all their paddles. It's total chaos.

Bobby & Dianne kicked things off with their jive. It was actually much tidier than I feared it might be. It was much neater than last week. The routine had lots of energy and there were no errors. It didn't blow me away, but it was very competent. I felt that the additional dancers seemed to make it feel crowded, as if they were too close to Bobby & Dianne. 

Angela & Kai were up next with their American smooth. I can't help thinking that the grueling Strictly schedule is starting to take its toll on Angela. She is looking tired and sometimes confused, and frequently goes wrong. The long competition is tough for the youngest and fittest, and it feels as though Angela reached her peak a few weeks ago. It wasn't a bad performance, but it really felt like the end.

I loved Layton & Nikita's Couples' Choice. It was fresh and fierce and everything you'd expect. They were almost perfectly in sync, and I can't help feeling they are being punished for not being perfect. For any other couple, that would have been a 40 I'm certain. The only thing I am left wondering is what the heck their showdance is going to be. They have used lots of tricks and have done a pole-dancing routine. What else is there to do?

I didn't enjoy Anabel & Johannes' American smooth as much as the judges seemed to. It was nice enough. She has lovely lines and it was very smooth indeed. The footwork was solid. But why did Anabel look so serious? That killed it for me. It would have been so dreamy if she had looked like she was having a nice time. I think she was going for emotion, but it read as intense and serious.

Choreographically, Ellie & Vito's Charleston wasn't my favourite. However, Ellie is just phenomenal. The lifts were heartstopping. Ellie nailed the routine from start to finish, high energy throughout, her facial expressions were great and she gave it bags of performance. I think I just prefer a 1920s style number.

The Argentine tango from Angela & Carlos was the best they have looked in a while. It was strong and intense. The lifts were really nicely executed. I am inclined to agree with Craig about Angela's legs - they didn't look elastic enough. But it was a good number, and it was nice to see Angela doing well again.

If only Nigel hadn't made a couple of tiny errors in that quickstep! What an amazing routine, and the (almost) perfect end to the show. Does he lose focus during the dance, or does he make the same mistakes in rehearsals? He is infuriating. That aside, it was showstopping. The solo sections were spot on. I absolutely loved it. I am shocked that the judges scores were so low. Also, I want to throw a fabulous party where Katya plays piano.

Layton, Angela S and Nigel (despite the errors) were my favourites of the night. Angela R has to be exiting the competition now. She's been in the dance-off twice already, and did nothing to suggest she shouldn't be there again. I have no idea who will also be in the bottom two. For me, it would probably be Bobby, but he didn't do especially badly.

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Sunday Service: Week 8

Is it almost Blackpool?

Lauren very much did all of the work in the samba with Krishnan. There was a lot of walking, without a lot of hip action. The samba rolls were OK, but the rest was a bit lacking. He looked a bit unsure of what was coming next. However, there is still something so darn watchable about Krishnan that I didn't hate it.

Bobby & Dianne's American smooth felt more like a Couples' Choice, as it was quote lyrical and seemed to have lots of little lifts. I didn't dislike it, but the most exciting bit was when Dianne unexpectedly pegged it towards the stairs. Bobby is a competent dancer, but I'm just not excited to see him anymore.

I'm starting to feel as though Angela has gone as far as she can in the competition. Her posture in the paso wasn't quite right. Her walking steps had a kind of 'shudder' to them, in a kind of cockney way. She seemed to be hanging on to Kai for grim death. And she seemed to be mainifesing her power in her jawline, which was quite unattractive. Her timing, however, is very good. She is a competent dancer, absolutely, but I'm not sure she has anything else to give outside of the ballroom classics.

I really enjoyed Nigel & Katya's Couples' Choice. It was so sweet and romantic. They danced it so well, and I loved the storytelling. I loved the way Nigel looked at Katya throughout with a fondness. He looked happy and she looked beautiful. It was a delight. He still hasn't hit the heights of those early weeks, but this is the Nigel we've been waiting to see again.

Ellie & Vito's rumba was stunning. I loved how she was alone on the floor at the beginning in the spotlight. The routine had light and shade, fast and slow moments. It was a routine I could have imagined Ola Jordan performing. Her lines are stunning, and she finishes all her moves beautifully.

I didn't see what the judges saw in Annabel & Johannes' samba. It was a little more Sophie than Shakira for me. Annabel is a little too straight and upright. There was also a little error towards then end. It wasn't a bad performance at all, but there are better couples left around her.

I thought Angela & Carlos' waltz was about the best she has done in weeks. It was elegant and pretty to watch. It had more breath than she has ever demonstrated before. Her footwork was much better and she looked relaxed. It bothered me that she didn't turn her head the to right when she came out of the standing spin, and if you're going to do an attitude leg line, you really need to have your knee higher than your toe. But a definite improvement for Angela.

The intensity and intent in Layton & Nikita's Argentine tango was stunning. Absolutely amazing. As Shirley said, it was pure art.

Layton, Ellie and Nigel were my top three last night. My bottom two would be Krishnan and Angela R. I would quite like to see Krishnan in Blackpool, but I am not sure I'd want him to be there at the expense of anyone else left. There are a couple of others that I don't have strong feelings about, so wouldn't be sad to see them leave, but at the same time I think everyone else left has more to offer.

Monday, November 06, 2023

Monday Musings: Week 7

So apparently this is actually the halfway point of the competition, and not last week as Shirley kept professing. Not that it really matters...

I thought it was a really strong week for most of the couples, and it's really starting to get tough. The judges are now having to split hairs and encourage the couples to be the best they can possibly be.

Layton & Nikita's jive was fantastic. Their synchronicity was incredible. They were so together as a couple, it was as if they had been dancing together for years. The retraction was lovely on the kicks and the energy was sustained. I didn't really need the fouette turns and the no-hand cartwheel - incredible tricks, but they didn't really fit the jive. Save those tricks for the showdance, so that we have something to be wowed by.

Angela & Kai's waltz was pleasant, but it's hard to make a waltz interesting. Something about Angela's topline is off, perhaps it's her head position, I'm not sure. Sometimes she raises her shoulders just a tiny bit. Her footwork is very good, and of course she is graceful.

It was great to see Nigel & Katya back on form. I loved the story of their tango, it was dramatic and engaging. I totally agree with Craig about how much Nigel was picking up his feet on the backward steps, but I was willing to forgive the technique for the performance. I loved the trustfall. They covered the floor, it had drive. I want to see this Nigel every week.

I wasn't that taken with Angela & Carlos' samba. It was giving me 'mum on a night out' vibes. The skirt shaking looked odd, and her arms were awful. She didn't extend her arms enough at all. It all just looked a bit unfinished and frantic.

I really liked Annabel & Johannes' couples' choice. The lyrical style really suited Annabel and her movement was bigger and more free than we have seen from her so far. She used every part of her long limbs and the movement continued to her fingertips. Perhaps this will be a turning point for Annabel. I want to see her dance like this every week.

I loved the drama of Bobby & Dianne's Argentine tango. The passion and atmosphere was great. Once again, they were a bit foiled by their height difference. The 'A' frame wasn't really there. The gancho section wasn't as exciting as we have seen from other couples in the past. I enjoyed it, although I'm inclined to agree that is looked a little 'placed'.

Ellie & Vito's American smooth was pure Hollywood glamour. As smooth as silk, slick and clean. Is there anything this girl cannot do? I just wish Vito wouldn't choreograph to every accent in the music. He could let some of them go, and the routines would still be as good. Definitely deserving of the 10s.

I liked Adam & Luba's rumba possibly more than the judges did. I liked the chemistry between them, and I thought Adam lead the dance quite well. There was quite a bit of posing, and it did feel a little repetitive in places, but for a fella I think he did really well. He presented Luba well. I think he could have used more hip action, and more figure of eight rotation.

Krishnan & Lauren's couples' choice was my least favourite dance of the night. There was a lot walking and a lot of very uninteresting lifts. Krishnan is capable of so much for, and this was just a bit of a snooze-fest. He's still counting out loud, which really needs to stop now. I love that he is loving it, but I never want to see this routine again.

Ellie and Layton were easily this week's top couples. Angela S, Angela R and Krishnan were the bottom for me, but I love Krishnan and was happy that he wasn't sent home.

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Sunday Service: Week 6

I know Halloween Week on Strictly is a Marmite event, but I love it. I like the crazy costumes and make-up. It's lots of fun.

As Shirley reminded us more than once, we are halfway through the competition. And it seems lots of our couples are starting to plateau. The are all pretty good, but the steady improvement seems to have tailed off for most of them.

I really liked Angela & Carlos' Black Swan-inspired paso. I liked the inclusion of balletic elements, and I thought the drama was wonderful. It could have had more expansion, which was there on the swan sections, but lacking elsewhere. There was a small error in the middle as well. A very creative routine, and a great start to the show.

Adam & Luba's American smooth was very cute. the choreography was simple, which meant he was able to execute it very well. The lifts weren't too challenging, which again meant it looked clean. The short section danced out of hold toward the end was a bit wobbly, but otherwise it was a good job.

Zara & Graziano's Charleson lacked finesse. She hasn't learned to move like a dancer. She's doing all of the moves, but everything is just steps with no finish or transition. She occasionally goes out of time as well.

Layton & Nikita's tango was full of drama and passion. It was brave to switch hold, and for me it didn't work. Layton did not look as polished in the leader role. I'm inclined to agree with Shirley that his quality could be better. He has acting, performance and dancing in spades, but he needs to work on the ballroom and technique.

I liked Bobby & Dianne's cha cha. It was fun and cheeky. I loved the drag across the floor with Dianne spinning. He definitely needs to control his arms. His limbs are so long, and they can look gangly because he doesn't control them. If he tidies up him arms, he could be even better.

Krishnan & Lauren's Viennese waltz was only OK for me. His topline is very bothersome. It's a little small, and he has a tendency to lean forward. The flerkerl went very awry. This was far from his best performance, but his characterisation was good.

Angela & Kai's Charleston was hilarious, mostly because of Kai camping it up! I really enjoyed the choreography, and, barring a little error in the middle, Angela executed it well. I still wish she would point her toes in the lifts. Those upturned toes are really ugly. But she continues to amaze us.

Johannes' decision to keep Annabel in hold for the entire tango was a smart move. It meant he was in control of the routine from start to finish, and it made Annabel look fantastic. It could have had more intensity, though. I didn't buy the character. Brilliant choreography - more routines like this from our pros, please.

It a shame there were a couple of errors in Nigel & Katya's cha cha, because it was great otherwise. I loved the choreography, with all the zombie elements. Nigel is a fantastic leader, and his timing is excellent. If he's in the final, I'd like to see him do that again and nail it.

Ellie reminds we a bit of Jill Halfpenny. She's great in everything she does, and nothing ever looks difficult. I never feel anxious when she comes onto the dancefloor, because I know everything is going to be under control. Ellie & Vito's salsa was fun, complicated and competent. She's yet to have a bad week, and she is absolutely a contender for the final for me.

Ellie was unquestionably the best of the night. I pretty much agreed with the bottom two on the leaderboard this week - Zara and Krishnan. But Krishnan is so well liked, there is a possibility that Annabel might find herself in the dance-off. No matter what, it definitely feels like Zara's time has to be up now.

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Sunday Service: Week 5

This was a bit of an off week for a few of the couples. Nothing was really that bad, but a lot of numbers just didn't quite hot the mark.

Amanda was out this week due to "medical reasons". My social media timeline couldn't have been happier.

Annabel & Johannes went first with their Charleston. It was a really mixed bag. When Annabel knew the steps, she looked amazing. But she spent a lot of the routine losing her way, and giving Joahnnes the side-eye to see what was supposed to come next. It could have been a sensational routine, but it fell flat for me because so much of it went pear-shaped. It looked under-rehearsed.

Nigel & Katya's foxtrot was also a mixed bag. Out of hold it was exciting, dynamic and engaging. Their chemistry was great and they really drew you in. Then they would take hold, and it was really dull. His whole personality just faded away, and we were left with competent, yet uninspiring, dancing. One thing I noted was Nigel's spotting on the pivots. It was absolutely beautiful. I urge everyone to go and have a look.

Something about Eddie & Karen's samba just didn't land for me. I don't know what it was. Once again, Eddie is a star performer out of hold. He never fails to raise a smile. It's almost a shame that Strictly is a series about partner dancing, because if it was just about performing solo, he'd be bossing it. But in hold his dancing just never quite finds its way.

I really enjoyed Krishnan & Lauren's quickstep. He's such a joy to watch, and the improvement he has made since Week 1 is stark. I wasn't so keen on the slower portions of the routine, as this was Krishnan looked least comfortable. But with all the fast chassé sections and the out of hold parts, he was great. Is he the best dancer? No. But he's so engaging that I honestly don't care.

I watched Angela & Carlos' American smooth again today, and I enjoyed it more on second viewing. Choreographically, it moved around the floor, but could have had a bit more. There seemed to be a lack of interesting content, and Angela is capable of a routine with a bit more oomph. Angela is very elegant, and looks great on the floor. She needs to find her mojo.

Vito completely ignored last week's notes about over-packing the routine with steps and again went hell for leather with the paso. Thankfully, Ellie nailed it. Again. It was strong, it had drive and attitude. She is quietly going about her business, and she is going to be here for a long time. She doesn't get people talking about her, but she cannot be ignored.

I really loved Layton & Nikita's performance. It was showstopping. But was it a proper salsa? There was very little partner work. They spent most of the routine side by side. It was beautifully in sync, they matched each other perfectly. But this felt more like a couple's choice routine than a salsa. This was a dance for the stage, not for the dancefloor.

I was put off for most of Bobby & Dianne's Viennese waltz by his costume. Why was he wearing his grandad's long johns? That aside, there was a dream-like quality to their routine. It felt almost voyeuristic to be watching this moment, which as Craig suggested, was very cinematic. It's a shame that the fleckerl lost its way, as it was otherwise a very pretty routine. The longer I watch them, the more their height difference bothers me. Bobby is doing an amazing job at keeping upright, and keeping his body low to match Dianne's height.

I did not like Adam & Luba's couple's choice as much as the judges seemed to. For me, he was not matching Luba's energy. She was very bouncy, while his moves just didn't seem as clean. Everything from him seemed a little heavier. The chair section was the best part and seemed a lot more in sync.

The trust Zara put into Graziano to achieve those lifts was obvious. They were impressive, especially the lift at the end. It's a shame that the rest of their American smooth wasn't quite as good. She needs to extend and finish her lines more. Everything is a bit 'small' and contained.

I loved that Angela got to do the dance she wanted to do the most - the Argentine tango. She gave it a very good go too. I don't think it was one for the ages, but she and Kai did a really good job. I would have liked to see her point her toes a bit more, especially on the last few kicks and the final lift, where her hooks of feet looked a little unwieldy. I do with they wouldn't dress both dancers fully in black, though, as it makes the dances very hard to read.

My favourite this week was Ellie and probably Bobby. I enjoyed Layton and Krishnan as well.

The weakest for me were Zara, Adam and Annabel. Zara was brave, but can the lifts alone save her? Adam lacked energy and Annabel's routine was littered with errors. It will be interesting to see what happens tonight.

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Saturday Service: Week 4

Lots of classic dancing this week, certainly in the first half of the programme. And some beautiful, classic costumes too.

I wasn't mad about Vito's choreography this week. His samba for Ellie seemed a little chaotic - there was a lot going on. It all seemed too fast and too packed. Ellie did a decent job with what she was given to do, though. She's still a lovely dancer to watch. There was some nice samba content, just too much other stuff.

I liked Adam & Luba's waltz. It was very classy and simple. OK, so maybe Adam spent a lot of time not moving while Luba danced around him, but it worked. The hold was good, the rise and fall was good, it was a pleasure to watch.

Oh dear. Jody & Jowita's salsa started off with so much promise, but started to flag as the dance went on. The transitions were very clunky, one of the lifts was really awkward. The salsa just wasn't his dance. It's such a shame, because Jody can be so much better.

Amanda continues to be annoyingly good. A very nice foxtrot, lovely frame, nice storytelling with Giovanni.

You've gotta love Krishnan & Lauren. Even when it's not perfect, it's still fabulous. Krishnan had the paso attitude throughout. The only thing that let it down was his shoulders, which seemed to be creeping up mid-dance. It was strong and in control for the most part.

It seems that there was a lot of content in Zara & Graziano's Veinnese waltz designed to prevent them from actually doing any VW steps. I loved the storytelling in the opening. I didn't like the use of smoke which covered her feet. Her left arm looked a bit droopy. There looked to be a little error in what we saw of her fleckerl. It was a nice performance, though.

I liked Annabel & Johannes' jive. It was energetic and punchy. The only thing which let it down was Annabel's heels, which she put down throughout the dance. She should have been up on her toes! I'd like to see a little more performance from Annabel now. She's a competent dancer, but she doesn't draw me in.

Eddie continues to be marvelous out of hold, but a little awkward in hold. Thankfully, the American smooth is out of hold quite a bit. I can't quite put my finger on what is wrong. Maybe it's his topline, maybe he doesn't stride out enough. I love his chemistry with Karen and I love the performance. But now it's time to work on being better dancing together, rather than just next to each other.

Loved Layton & Nikita's cha cha. Layton has found a way to channel his energy into control. The cha cha content was well executed, neat, great footwork and styling. As Shirley pointed out, this dance showcased their teamwork. Fantastic!

Nigel & Katya's salsa was fantastic. Nigel is such a great leader! The whole routine was fire! I loved everything in hold, and the side-by-side section was a lovely accent to the dance. In control, while also being loose and free with it. Great stuff.

It's a shame there was a little stumble out of the fleckerl, because otherwise Angela & Carlos' Viennese waltz was nice. But something about this routine left me cold. It was correct, but I just didn't connect with it.

There was lots to like in Angela & Kai's rumba. Lovely rhythm, clean footwork, and THOSE SPLITS! But it was a little too upright for my taste. I want a little more earthiness in the rumba, I wanted her to be a little more into the floor. And I wanted a little bit of hip on that final pose section. But Angela continues to surprise and delight.

Bobby & Dianne's tango was sharp. It was strong and clean. Maybe it was the music and the storytelling, but it was a bit cold for me. I prefer more passion and fire. But overall it was a very good tango.

The leaderboard was very different this week. Layton was easily the best of the night. I think Jody could be in trouble, and Zara might get a reprieve from the dance-off.

Monday, October 09, 2023

Monday Musings: Week 3

Ah, Movie Week. Let the "Is it a movie or is it a musical?" debates begin. It's an odd one, as there are enough movies to service Movie Week, without straying into musical territory at all. But here we are.

This week we started with Nigel & Katya's Batman jive, which was not themed on a movie or a musical, but rather the TV show. Huh? Theme aside, the dance was not up to the standard that Nigel & Katya have delivered in the last couple of weeks. Nigel was off time in a couple of places, and it just wasn't as engaging to watch. His kicks weren't sharp enough. I'm surprised it was chosen to open the show.

I don't usually comment on anything other than the dancing, but what a treat to see Amy Dowden reading the T&Cs. Amy has been very open about her breast cancer treatment on social media, but I am not sure how much the core Strictly audience would know about what she has been facing. It was wonderful to see her, and all the love that everyone at the show has for her. Can't wait to see her back on the dancefloor.

On to Angela & Kai's quickstep to Do Re Mi. Their quickstep was slower than others we have seen on the show, but it was exactly the kind of quickstep being taught in classes all across the country and the steps were recognisable quickstep steps. I loved the ending where they walked up the steps, which is such an iconic setting in the film. Angela continues to deliver, and if we take nothing else from this series, then Kai in leafy lederhosen is enough. I agree with the judges that Angela could do with keeping her arms up, but she is lovely to watch.

Zara & Graziano definitely showed improvement. Their paso wasn't as finessed as I would have liked. It was a bit 'walky' in places, and there was a point where she was moving using the same arm as leg. It baffles me how people do that because it takes so much more effort than opposition. I loved the attitude of the dance and it was good to see Zara's confidence grow.

I pretty much agreed with everything Craig said about Layton & Nikita's Viennese waltz. It had a little too much attack and lacked the softness that the song dictates. Layton needs to let Nikita lead. He is such a competent dancer who always know the choreography, it's difficult not to anticipate and just go for it. And yes, that sickled toe was not pretty. Layton is still fantastic, but not as strong as previous weeks.

Angela & Carlos' Charleston was spot on. Brilliant side-by-side work, sustained energy throughout, great partnership, quirky facial expressions. It was everything a Charleston should be. It didn't matter that the majortiy of the audience wouldn't be familiar with the film. You don't need to be to enjoy what they did on the dancefloor. 

I liked Amanda & Giovanni's rumba better than the judges seemed to. The thing that bothered me about Amanda (aside from THAT) is that she doesn't close her feet together properly on the turns, yet she does on all the other steps.

The jive was definitely an improvement for Nikita & Gorka. She looked as though she was having fun. The dance still lacked energy in places, and her heavy legs and upturned toes were not pretty. But I appreciated all the effort she had put into the performance. 

Ellie & Vita's Viennese waltz was enchanting. She is such a beautiful dancer, and I am wondering already if there is anything she cannot do. Her footwork is gorgeous, their waltz steps glided around the floor. It was all lovely and flat. Vito does love to pick up accents in the music too. Great musicality. Loved it.

All throughout Bobby & Dianne's samba, I kept thinking about those 1970s clips they sometimes show of Nigel Lythgoe. Maybe it was the costume. Lots of samba content, lovely voltas and samba walks. I wish there had been some samba rolls, but maybe their height difference didn't really facilitate it.

Jody & Jowita's American smooth was very sweet, and a good effort considering their truncated practice time. Jody just needs to work on his posture in hold, where he tends to lean forward and over Jowita. Out of hold, or in a looser hold, he looks good, and he is starting to finish his movements in a more attractive way.

I liked Eddie & Karen's Couple's Choice (what is the choice now, btw?), but it didn't blow me away. I think that was down to the choreography rather than the performance. I really didn't get what was supposed to be happening during the first visit to the white table. High energy and well performed.

Annabel & Johannes' waltz was classy. I think there was a little error part way though, but otherwise it was good. Annabel had an odd expression on her face throughout was really odd. I am not sure if it was fear or concentration, but a smile would've been much nicer.

Adam & Luba's jive was bright and bouncy like the characters they were representing. I think that the characterisation allowed them to get away with a little less technical precision. I enjoyed watching it, mostly because of Adam's cheeky face. I'm sure there are probably loads of clips of tots bopping along to this on Instagram.

You can't fail but to love Krishnan & Lauren. He was fully in character as Emcee. His dancing continues to improve, and this was an enjoyable Charleston. It was very different to Angela's Charleston, but it entertained almost as much. I hope they get to stay for a while yet.

Angela S. was my favourite of the night, followed by Ellie. I think that the right two ended up in the dance-off, and it was the right result for Nikita to go home. I'm sad that we didn't get time to get to know Nikita more, because she's such a lovely woman, but her time on the dancefloor was definitely up.

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Saturday Service: Week 2

This week's show took a little while to boil. It was a little flat to begin with, but we got there by the end.

Bobby & Dianne's Charleston was fine, if a little uninspiring. High energy, perhaps a little untidy. I didn't enjoy it as much as the foxtrot, but it was good enough to get through to next week.

When Annabel knew the steps, she looked elegant and in control. In the parts where she was less confident it showed all over her face and went to pieces. At times, she was fighting with Johannes. She also needs to point her toes on the kicks. Their quickstep covered the floor well. She has lots of potential.

I didn't really like anything about Jody & Jowita's paso. It was all a bit wooden. Scarecrow arms, lazy free arm during the cape work, stompy. It lacked flow, the movements didn't seamlessly blend. He's trying hard, but it just wasn't there.

A gorgeous foxtrot from Ellie & Vito. Cute story and even better dancing. The footwork was very good, nice toe releases, decent heel turns, nice top line. Quite a bit out of hold, though. This is not American smooth. 

I loved Nigel & Katya's Viennese waltz. He's a great actor, and the storytelling was amazing. I was so wrapped up in the story, that I didn't see the technical flaws that Shirley did. His left arms was leading just a little, but otherwise I loved it. He was leading, he looked in control throughout.

I liked Nikta's sass and attitude. But her Charleston with Gorka lacked any swivel at all. I don't think I've ever seen a Charleston on Strictly with less of it. It was stompy and heavy. I really like Nikita, and I would like her to stay and have the chance to get better.

I feared for Les & Nancy doing the samba, but it wasn't as bad as I feared it might be. The action wasn't right, but it still had a bounciness. It was better in hold than out of hold. The salutes were a little twee. There weren't too many samba steps present after the first 30 seconds. But in a series with probably a greater number of celebrities who are less well-known, Les might be around for a fair few weeks yet.

Adam & Luba's tango was just OK. He broke character when something went a bit wrong in the middle, which was unsettling for me. It was a little soft and lacked drive. There were points where he seemed to be doing too many steps, which made it look panicky. I think Adam will get lost in the middle of the field.

I'm glad Giovanni liked Amanda's salsa so much, because I wasn't so keen. It was a bit aggressive in places. Something about her arms looked a bit odd. The last lift was very clunky. It was good, but not a patch on last week.

Out of hold, Krishnan is a delight. He brings a smile to my face. As soon as he took hold of Lauren, it all went a bit south. He spent the whole time looking at the direction of travel, rather than keeping his head back. He needs to raise his eyeline. And he needs to work on that frame. But I still love watching him. They need to put the foxtrot behind them, and move on to the next dance. 

Eddie & Karen's cha cha was high energy and high performance, but it was also read more like a salsa. His cha cha technique wasn't there. It was flat-footed and pigeon-toed. It was a crowd pleaser more than a judge pleaser. I definitely want to see more of Eddie. And we need to take a moment to appreciate Karen's J-Lo look.

I thought that Zara & Graziano really improved this week. Zara's head was sinking into her shoulders early on, but her posture got a little better as the dance went on. If she can improve her posture and get some core strength, she could really improve. I fear that she might not get the chance.

The jive seemed to be a bit too quick for Angela in places. She seemed to be struggling to keep up with it. I think Carlos might have packed it too much. Angela must have done Irish dancing in the past, because her leg positions definitely had that look and the whole dance had that Irish bounce.

Angela & Kai looked as though they have been dancing the foxtrot together for years. It was classy and elegant. Lovely leg extensions, decent footwork. Simple and beautiful.

Layton & Nikita's quickstep was pure Hollywood. Light and bright, covered the floor beautifully, high energy and anything but basic. Fierce.

No-one is really that bad. Les is clearly the weakest dancer, but his fame will probably keep in him for a few weeks. I think we could be saying goodbye to Zara, Nikita and Adam could all be in trouble.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Tuesday Chatter: Week 1

The new Strictly series began in earnest on Saturday. A bit inconsiderate of the BBC to start the series on a Saturday that I was away! I had to catch up today.

I was really impressed with the standard across the board. It was a good week for everyone, and a fantastic week for some.

Adam & Luba had the tough gig of kicking off the series with a cha cha. I really liked the opening section with the handkerchiefs. He has such a cheeky smile that you forgive some of his shortcomings on the dance front. His dacncing was actually better than I thought it might be. His timing was OK. His footwork could have been better, but for Week 1, it was a good effort.

Angela & Carlos' tango was another solid start. She needs to watch her arms, which lacked proper placement and went a bit 'Stacey Dooley' in places. But it had decent intent and good timing. I can't wait to see her tackle a dance with a bit more of a fun vibe.

I loved Eddie & Karen. The quickstep is a tricky dance for Week 1, and most of the elements were there. Great storytelling, great performance and great timing. The only thing which let him down was his posture. He was leaning into Karen and sticking his bottom out. Everything out of hold was a winner.

Angela is a national treasure, and she showed exactly why she has been so closely associated with ballroom dancing for so long. It was a confident performance. Kai is the master of presenting his partner and showing them off, and he got the best out of Angela. That leg! And i
I'd like to borrow that robe, please! She just needs to make sure she keeps her eyeline up.

Nikita & Gorka's waltz was very sweet, but a little tentative. Very romantic, but in a field of 15 couples, it got a bit lost in the middle. She's such a lovely girl, I really hope she gets to show us more. It's never good news when Shirley leads with how nice you look...

I thought the judges were quite hard on Layton & Nikita. I thought their samba was great. It had energy and attack. Everything was nicely finished. Just just missed the last beat of the music to nail the finish. He's a born performer. I'm looking forward to seeing his range, especially when he comes to the ballroom dances.

Zara & Graziano were another couple that got lost in the mix for me. Her timing was iffy in places. He looked how a novice should look, though. We're so spoilt on Strictly these days that there isn't time for a couple like these two to grow. Next week's dance needs to be better than this cha cha.

Les looked better in hold for me than out of it. His tango with Nancy lacked drive and his posture needs more work, but his timing was good. He needs to open his shoulders, and that would improve things immensely.

Ellie stood out to me in the launch show because of her gorgeous smile and high energy. The performance was 100% there in her and Vito's jive, but the technique needs more attention. She was a bit stompy in places, most apparent in the drunken sailors. As her stamina improves, she is going to be one to watch.

Jody & Jowita's quickstep was mostly good, although they were a bit out of sync in some of the running steps in hold. They need to go up and down at the same time, but they seemed not to be, and it made it a bit awkward to watch. Room to improve.

The thing I liked most about Bobby is that he kept upright in hold, despite a bit of a height difference between himself and Dianne. Bobby was the first celebrity male that I felt was actually leading his partner. His timing was spot on, and the storytelling was cute. I loved their foxtrot and I can't wait to see more.

Annabel & Johannes' cha cha was a good solid start. Annabel has a natural elegance, and that comes through on the dancefloor. I think she might struggle with some of the more 'earthy' dances, but this was a good start.

I can't tell you how much I wanted Amanda to be terrible. I really don't want her in the competition. Unfortunately, she was very good. And being paired with Giovanni, one of the most creative choreographers, won't do her any harm either. Their Viennese waltz had an intensity which only Giovanni can pull off. The storytelling was impeccable, her lines were wonderful. She looks as though she's been dancing for a long time.

Krishnan's 'La' training t-shirt brought me joy before he even danced a step. He and Lauren are such a watchable partnership and I hope we get to see it for a long time. Krishnan's new found love of dancing is exactly what I want to see on Strictly, and is endearing to watch. I loved their goofy cha cha. This is exactly why they always put journalists on Children In Need. They all have this peacockery in them, they just need to let it out.

Nigel & Katya's paso was phenomenal. Strictly is back, baby! His drive was fabulous, his armlines were a thing of beauty, it was masculine and strong and hot. And the cape work at the end was the cherry on top. Undermarked, because they can't hand out 9s in Week 1, but if Nigel makes the final we will definitely see that dance again.

A very solid start, a very high standard, and anyone mid-to-low on the leaderboard will need to turn it out next week to save themselves. If there was a vote this week, I could see Nikita, Zara, Adam and Jody all looking a bit precarious.

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

The Strictly Lineup: Series 21

It's Strictly season once again. I have to be honest. I have been putting off writing a blog about the 2023 participants since they were announced.

Strictly has worked really hard over the last few years to be inclusive and diverse. Since the beginning it has embraced openly gay dancers and celebrities, people of colour and more recently those with disabilities. We have seen multiple same-sex couples take to the floor, and I really felt that the show was doing good work to move its pearl-clutching, middle-England viewers into the 21st century.

So when the show books some celebrities whose views don't seem to align with these values, it feels like a backward step. I struggle to make peace with people who feel they are the gatekeepers to the identity of others, who feel they can decide whose identity is "legitimate" and whose is not.

I want Strictly to be the glittery, safe space it should be. I hope the voting public get behind those who embody the spirit of Strictly.

So, for what it is worth, here are the 2023 participants.

Anglea Rippon is synonymous with ballroom dancing. She was host of Come Dancing for many years, and even released her own 'how to' DVD, Ballroom Dancing with Angela Rippon, co-demonstrated by Ian Waite. She has danced on TV many times, and is very elegant. At 78, she is the oldest person to perform on Strictly to date, but if she can heep up with the tough training, she will likely do well.


Layton Williams is an actor who is no stranger to dancing. He performed the title role in Everybody's Talking About Jamie in the West end and on UK tours. He's a born performer, and I expect he will be amazing.


Krishnan Guru-Murthy has been a well respected Channel 4 News journalist for most of his career, but for many of us of a certain age, he is the man we watched presenting Newsround when we were children (OK, I do remember John Craven when I was really young, but it was all Krishnan and Juliet Morris when I was really watching). I passed Krishnan on the street last week, but resisted the temptation to shout "G'wan Krish!" at him. Not sure if he'll be able to dance...

Comedian and presenter Eddie Kadi is someone I am not familiar with, so I have no insight into how he might get on on Strictly. I delight in getting to know people over the course of the series and taking them at face value.

I do know and like Angela Scanlon. I have a feeling that she actually hosted a few dates on one of the early Strictly tours, standing in for Kate Thornton, although I'd have to pull out the programme to be sure, as it was dates I didn't go to. I think Angela might be OK on the dancefloor.



The day has finally arrived. We have our first former Love Island participant on Strictly, although in the press release Zoe McDermott has made a BBC Three documentary, which it turns out I did watch but forgot she was the woman behind it. We always assume that younger women will be able to dance, but that's not always the case.


I am not familiar with actor Adam Thomas, having not watched Waterloo Road. He says he is excited to be a part of the show, and has been a fan for years. I do love it when Strictly fans get to participate.



Nikita Kanda hosts the BBC Asian Network Breakfast Show, and is another participant I am unfamilair with. I'm sure I am not alone in hoping she gets paired with Nikita Kuzmin just for the LOLs.

I don't watch Coronation Street, so Ellie Leach is conscripted to the unfamilar pile too. Ellie is the youngest of the women this year.





Paralympic cyclist Jody Cundy joins a long list of gold medalists to join Strictly. Team GB sportspeople have generally done pretty well on the show, and the cycling team have to be among the most disciplined. I have no idea if he will be able to dance, but I am confident he will be able to give it everything.


I don't watch EastEnders, so I am sorry to admit that I am more familiar with Bobby Brazier's famous parents than I am with him. At 20, Bobby is this year's youngest participant. Bobby has been a model as well as an actor. Modelling might not translate to dancing, but I'd expect that he would be able to follow instructions about body position.


I remember Nigel Harman being in EastEnders, so it must have been a long time ago. I haven't watched it in at least 15 years. I also remember him being in the West End, as I saw him in I Can't Sing, a musical loosely based on The X Factor. Anyone who has been in a musical must be able to dance a bit, surely...

Les Dennis must be on the cusp of national treasure status. While he is best known as a comic actor, he has also been in musicals and should be a bit good. 



I know Annabel Croft from her time on Treasure Hunt. Maybe she'll be better than Anneka Rice. If not, she can go back to her pint with Farage and not getting the vaccine.


When I saw Amanda Abingdon's picture, I thought I knew who she was, but it turned it I was muddling her with her doppleganger Katherine Parkinson. Frankly, I wish they had booked Katherine. Amanda hasn't been in anything I have watched. She's described as an actor (well, probably an actress because gender is very important), but I'll decide if she is a legitimate actor.

So there you have it. I've finally written something. See you next month when it all kicks off.

Vote For Strictly!

 It's time for the shortlist vote for the National Television Awards again.

Strictly Come Dancing is nominated in the Talent Show category, up against The Great British Sewing Bee, The Great British Bakeoff and Britain's Got Talent.

And Claudia Winkleman is nominated in the TV Presenter category against Ant & Dec, Bradley Walsh, Alison Hammond and Martin Lewis.

Vote here! You have until midday on Monday 5th September to make your vote count.

Friday, April 21, 2023

Cameron Not Returning To Pro Lineup

The BBC has confirmed the line-up of talent for this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The only change on Saturday night's is that South African dancer Cameron Lombard will not return.

Cameron had not had a celebrity of his own on the show, and had only appeared in the professional numbers.

Cameron called his time on the show "a blast".


It's not clear if the decision was Cameron's own choice, or if he was not invited to return to the show.

Last week, Rylan announced that he will not be returning to It Takes Two.


With Janette's baby due only weeks before the start of the new series, I would expect that Rylan will be replaced and someone will continue to share presenting duties with Janette - assuming she returns. There are lots of former Strictly participants who would make excellent hosts, just as Zoe Ball did. I'd love to see Clara or AJ on It Takes Two. Gethin has long been their Friday Elstree correspondent. He could also be a possibility. Whoever it is needs to be a fan of the show - the show has always been brilliant because the presenters genuinely watch on Saturday nights just like us.