Strictly Speaking

I enjoyed both of the shows and agree with all the comments about Nancy....she needs to go!
Don't forget It Takes Two starts tonight with Zoe Ball.

I think they (almost) all did very well. They are certainly trying . . . Waiting eagerly to see what Russell does when he has to do a "manly" dance: that could be very good fun. Amused by Alex and Chelseee trying to run up the stairs without knocking themselves out! Actually I'm enormously impressed at all of them running up the stairs at all! I wish we were told who had danced before - it's obvious some of them have - I'm guessing Jason, Anita and Holly for sure. Anyway, enjoying it lots so far . . .

I sense an early 'vote off' for Nancy, if the feeling nation-wide reflects the feeling on this thread.

I've just caught up on Sky+ have to say I loved Jason Donovan but Nancy...........no no no.........it's promising to be great series

So agree Hattie64.
I know earlier on the this thread several posters were somewhat anti Bruce ...he hadn't particularly bothered me, but I felt that he really hasn't been 'with it' so far this series ...too focussed on his crib sheets to realise what is going on around him???
Seems to have a set script to follow with his remarks and trying to get them in, even when don't fit with what has happened??

Sorry to say..... another disappointment ( Downton was the first, but am giving that another go tonight!).
Jason D... the consumate professional, Russell G good fun and I do Like Rory B so was willing him to do well. Otherwise not living up to Brucie's assertion that it is the best mix of celebs yet!

I get the impression that Craig has been given the role of pointing out all the faults of the dancers. They probably agreed it between them, he is Mr Nasty, whereas all the others are the goodies!!! Lets face it somebody needs to correct the dancers and let them know where they are going wrong. When a dancer gets high points from Craig, you know they are actually good. Len frequently gives a '7' even if they are rubbish.

Nice to see big head Nancy falling on her entrechat so to speak - did you see her in the Telegraph supplement some weeks ago - Egoist MOI!

Oooh yes, bring back Brian, he`s got a lovely little bum!

Yes, Jacey, I would love to see Brian Fortuna back as well as Darren and Lilia.

I found the constant boo-ing and jeering from the audience nauseating especially when Craig opened his mouth and Bruce's inane jokes - well ...
Like several of you I felt Craig was a bit harsh on most of the dancers for the first week but, if he is listened to, I feel that most of the time he is being fair.
I didn't like to hear the bickering between the judges either and felt that James had probably heard the harsh comments made by Craig about previous dancers and felt that someone should speak up in their defence - not just for his partner but for all of them.
It is early days and no doubt things will pan out so let's enjoy it! Looks like a good series to come as no obvious frontrunner except perhaps Jason and no real hopeless case!

Isn't that the truth Annobel ...perhaps it is time for James to be rotated out of the professionals ...bringing back in some of the very professional ones who have been dropped?

An ironic thing about 'Strictly' is that, over the years, the professionals have become far more celebrated than some of the D-list celebs they are partnering!

Agree about Craig giving a good spread of marks ...often think he is actually more 'honest' in his marking in that he evaluates each one individually and against their competitors. However ...even Len got out a 4 ...isn't that pretty much unheard of??

Didn't like James Jordan's attack though! Just bite the bullet and get on with it! These 'stars' know what they are letting themselves in for ...too much ego ...if they don't like the heat, then they should have stayed out of the kitchen!! No one makes them enter this show.

Do we think that Craig was even more obnoxious than usual? I don't remember his being so hyper-critical on first nights in the past, but, fair enough, he did give credit where it was due and he also gave a good spread of points, whereas the others' scores were in a narrower band.

enjoyed both shows very much, looking forward to seeing how they all improve next week. must support local boy Robbie, think he was just very nervous on his first night.

I'm not sure it's fair having Jason in there. He's much more experienced in show biz than,say, the footballer or the boxer. He just seems to have a big head start.

I thought Russell was ...... well enjoyable is the word I am looking for , his performance was surprising, didn't think he would be all that good but he was ok. I thought Lulu would have been far better than she was but to be fair it was their first performance so lets see what the next few weeks bring, its going to be good I think !

I think the odds on Jason shortened considerably after his performance tonight. I was pleasantly surprised by Chelsea whom I had thought to be just a bimbo, but she really performed that waltz. I have a soft spot for Rory!

I player!

I missed the first half. Weather was hot so we sat by the river longer than we meant. Forgot to record it too.

My favourites after the first dances are Jason, Anita, Harry, for dancing performance, and Russell for sheer entertainment. The ones I`d like to see the back of are Lulu, Robbie, Nancy and Edwina.

Poor Nancy! Wardrobe fault!

I think she seems nice. Hope she has better luck next time.

Let's hear it for Jason! Hoping tonight's dire performance will mean an early exit for the awful Nancy Thingy.

Ok ...who slapped the red lippy on Tess then? Some of the views reminded me of !!!