Strictly Come Dancing

I record it so I can skip through the embarrassing/ cring making/ puerile 'jokes'

That's my strategy too, petra.

Me too! I just watch the dancing

They were saying on The Mathew Right show this morning that the show took a long time to record because, wait for it: they moved studios and Bruce was confused.

Petra

Like other programmes with a "winning" formula (Masterchef, Celebrity Masterchef, Never heard of them but they've been in a soap - once - Masterchef ), I think it has degenerated into a parody of itself. Still enjoy it, but the producers are in danger of believing their own "hype" - who needs the heart-stopping suspense (boom ba boom ba boom) of finding out who each partner is? Who is convinced by the squeals of fake glee at being paired with either a tangoed bimbo Barbie or a loser with 2 left feet who will be out in the first round? It is all a bit of fun - not to be taken seriously, least of all by those involved in its production.

I agree graces but it's not 'just a bit of fun' if it's how you earn a living.
Although it's a lot easier than emptying bins!

Another programme being repeated again, again and again.... What a list: Strictly, 'the Apprentice, X-Factor, Dragons Den, Celebrity Chef, Bake - Off, Big Brother, have I missed any? I honestly don't watch most of these as it is just the same format with different participants .

I don't understand why everybody is so down on Bruce Forsyth. Yes, he's pretty hammy and he's got a big ego, but there's nothing unusual in that in the entertainment business.

I have to admire someone who at his age has kept fit and trim and who can still dance, after a fashion. In his youth he was a very versatile performer - he could sing, dance and play various musical instruments. He came from a fairly ordinary background with no showbiz connections - unlike many of the people in the entertainment business now.

I am just seeing if this thread flashes.

??? - something to do with the sequins or the glitterball, nellie??

Oh that sort of flashing (no, not that sort, that sort.) Honestly sighs

Don't usually watch it, but loved Mark whatshisname in his Zorro mask--and the elegance of Sophie Ellis-Bexter's waltz was beautiful.

The energy of Susana Reid's jive was amazing, I couldn't sit still! (But neither can I jive, so I kept my place on the sofa).

I think the Corrie girl, Natale Gumede has done a bit of dancing before Strictly, she looked like one of the professionals--but it was a fun programme to get in the mood for the weekend.

What am I saying--do I need a dancing mood to dig my allotment?!

Not at all bad - in fact bl**dy good!! I was expecting a bit of a train crash from the fat guy (sorry, fattist remark, but you know who I mean) but he was really good - acted it beautifully and he can move his feet too. Tomorrow's dancers have a hard act to follow.

Good old Strictly. A lovely excuse to curl up on the sofa with my dogs and a

It's a good line up this year but I felt for Tony Jacklin. Why on earth is he putting himself through it?

I too felt for Tony Jacklin and wondered that.

Read on another thread that Susannah Reid is a Gran's daughter on here. Sorry, cannot remember who.
I thought she was amazing.

Own up Susannahsmum - we were impressed!!

think you'll find her here gracesmum

Why could she not have said so on this thread? And has she misspelt her daughter's name above on purpose, or is that how you spell it, GrandmaMiney?

OK ok, I own up. I admit I have been a nervous wreck all day--whilst looking after my grandchildren, so their mum could go and do 'her thing'.
In all the excitement of seeing her do a pretty good jive for a first dance, I did spell her name incorrectly. How stupid is that?! Maybe it's because I found myself in tears, I was afraid she (Susanna) would muck it up and be first out. I realise that no matter how old your children are, the protective mother-tiger bit never quite goes away, does it?! You still want to protect them from being hurt. Stupid, but true.

Seriously, all this SCD has been quite an eye opener. I had no idea how brave all the contestants are. Putting yourself 'above the parapet', then waiting for the painfully honest truth of the judges is, I realise now, to be admired not derided as a publicity-seeking stunt. Unless, I guess, you have the hide of a rhinoceros.
Rhinoceros hides don't run our family, whatever public face we manage to put on.

I also had no idea how flipping hard they all work. Fitting training in with an already busy working life, and still keeping family as a priority is no mean feat for any of them. It's not all glitter and glory--more blood, sweat, tears and fatigue, during the week, then retrieving the bright smile for 'the night'.

Enough!

Maybe I should start a Strictly Diary from a Grans-eye-view?
Or maybe I should just shut up.
Good night ladies, and gentlemen (mainly the gentle ones)
Have a great weekend.

I thought Susanna Reid looked and danced wonderfully.

GrandmaMiney

I too thought Susanna danced extremely well, and 3 children! She looks fantastic and must have a very busy life.

She did you proud, GrandmaMiney. I enjoyed the first programme - apart from feeling sorry for poor Tony - and can't wait for tonight. Don't you think Craig is now just a caricature of himself?