Strictly Speaking

I player!

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 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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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!

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

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

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!

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.

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!

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??

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

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

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 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.

Dordor, you have just planted a bizarre picture in my brain: Russell doing a Paso Doblé.

So who do we think will be voted off tonight? I'd originally hoped that Nancy would go first, but I now have my fingers crossed that Edwina goes. She's quite cringey around Vincent and he looks very uncomfortable with her.

I agree notso, then Nancy could go next week! Truthfully tho', I think that Brucie has had it - I found his comments last night very uncomfortable and not at all funny. It's time for him to go too.

Here's the plan then mrshat...Edwina tonight, Nancy next week. That will free up Anton. A couple of weeks later Bruce will pick up a 'bug' (from which he will make a full and healthy recovery by Christmas) and Anton will step in to present the show. Bruce will announce his retirement next year, Anton will get the presenter role permanently, and Ian Waite will be brought back to fill Anton's place on the dance floor. Sorted!

Great plan notsogrand!! Was impressed by Robbie, who I had expected to hate!