Strictly Come Dancing

Esther Rantzen said that every woman should have half an hour with Anton didn't she? Do you remember the way he swept his partner up into his arms when her sprained ankle gave out and danced off the floor with her? Anne Widdecombe was fun, but I thought it was very unfair to dump Nancy De l'Olio on him last time.

Thanks for the Team Susanna support shysal. Your vote will be very much appreciated when voting starts next Saturday. It's SO scary... (and that's just the mums!)

It does seem we have a Anton fan club forming here! He has been such a hit with his 'challenging' partners, and I agree, he does seem a nice man.

I've heard that the men pros even wear suits for the training sessions when they are practising the 'ballroom' dances--I guess it encourages the gentlemanly behaviour Anton showed to his partner.

But I think I'd choose Ian--if he was still in it.

I think Anne Widdicombe was a little in love with Anton.

Someone asked, why is Tess there. It's to hold Bruce up.

I think we might be being a bit ageist about Brucie, given we're all getting there ourselves. I've never been a fan of his, but credit where it's due. I wouldn't want to have to be that light on my feet when I'm 85.

I know he makes terrible jokes, and needs his crib cards, but having watched the launch programme at Elstree, I was impressed at his stamina and devotion to duty. The delays during the filming of this programme (the only one that is pre-recorded) were due to the waiting around for Jesse J and Rod Stewart--and their re-takes, rather than anything to do with Bruce.

And--it is said, he's never told a blue joke.
What more could you want for a host on a hugely popular programme that really is fun and ok for all the family to watch?
I feel the granguns might be out for me now....but it's what I think!

Actually, GrandmaMiney, I do have some sympathy for Brucie, and I think he would be much better without the autocue. That's what trips him up!
Then of course the problem would be shutting him up!

I have a soft spot for James Jordan

Grandmaminey I will definitely vote for your darling daughter. It makes it much more interesting if you have someone to support.

Grandmaminey, there is a lot in what you say about Bruce. Imagine what we might get if/when he goes!

Hand on heart....am not at all ageist about Bruce....did not like him 30 years ago....mind you I was younger then too. Ho hum!

No its definitely his jokes...they are so predictable.....you never need to hear the punch line - a slight pause is all that's needed, a 5 year old would know what was coming.

Oh anno that's a scary thought! Keith Lemon? That idiot who used to do Big Brother stuff - although I think he's been dropped by everyone now. Who knows what the Beeb might come up with.

Grandmaminey, have you seen the new Radio Times? You are mentioned in the title of an article about Susanna!

Deeda, Kieth Lemon is still very much present on TV, doing Through the Keyhole as well as his other usual stuff. He is a bit of a loose canon on live shows, I can't stand him.

Grandmaminey mentioned here, too

www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2439916/Susanna-Reid-reveals-Strictly-Come-Dancing-taking-toll.html

On 'It Takes Two' tonight, Zoe Ball said that Susanna's nanna is on tomorrow nights show!

Well girls, thanks for the updates!! It's news to me that I'm on 'It Takes Two' tomorrow! So thanks for the info Lona. I knew Susanna is due to be on, but I'm still waiting for my invite!
Thanks shysal for Radio Times alert. I've just seen it.
The back story is that it was Susanna's youngest son's birthday treat to go to the Harry Potter studios for the studio tour, but one of his brothers had his first football match that day, so Dad and middle son had to go to the match--leaving a spare ticket. The other boys asked: 'Can't G'ma come instead?"
So I happily went to Harry Potter (it's a fascinating tour, at Leavseden studios near Watford. If you have H.P interested grandchildren do try to take them--just prepare yourself for the inevitable disappointments in the huge shop at the end, when children's budgets won't cover the ridiculously expensive items.)

Susanna commented that she was wearing some flat 'ballet pump' type shoes to give her feet a rest. By the afternoon she admitted that they didn't fit too well, and had to find the Compeed plasters in her bag!
I think, at that point, I did say something identical to the quote in her Radio Times article! i.e. 'For an intelligent woman, you do make some foolish choices". Said lovingly with a hint of resignation.
I'm sure many of you know the feeling. We've brought them up, and let them go--and fly they have to, with their own choices!
They were pretty shoes--but how on earth she managed to do that Jive with blisters I just do not know! Fingers crossed for her for this Saturday.

PS, just realised I'm not Susanna's 'nanna' I'm her mum!
Maybe Zoe means Abbey's nanna, who was in the audience last Saturday.

She definitely said "Susanna's nanna", because I thought of you first, and then realised it wasn't! Maybe you're right and she meant Abbey.

'Our' Susanna did us proud tonight. If she goes on getting better, we have a lot to look forward to. And what about that Charleston by Sophie and Brendan? Breathtaking. Hasn't Brendan mellowed in recent years!

I'm very surprised at how good Sophie was.

Sophie was amazing--brilliant Charleston--I think she could be a winner. Natalie kept up her almost-professional standard as well. And Ashley--well second son's arrival has been an inspiration. They have all worked so hard, and it shows. I take my hat off to all of them.

And thank you annodomini yes, 'our girl' did a very passable Tango. We just have to see what tonight's voting shows...

Last night she was scared, as yesterday's rehearsal had not gone well and she was worried about tonight's vote. When she finally got home, supper and a chat with her lovely boys dusted away most of the cloudy thoughts, although sleep does not come easy. And she had to leave home again bright and early this morning.
I needed a last night.
Now I need Horlicks! Have a good weekend

Let's be kind to Brucie - he's been with us all our lives, just like a teddy bear. I know he loves himself, but he's in showbiz dahling.

I thought Susanna danced beautifully - so elegant!

Sophie's charleston was brilliant. I used to be able to do it when I was 14, but it takes so much energy! Shame Artem was wearing a shirt and tie - I had to imagine the chest

I'm so relieved Tony Jacklin has gone. He was so nice and really shouldn't have been there.

Very high standard from all the good ones. I think this will be a series worth watching.

Yes, Tony J was a poor choice I think, he seems a sweet man but almost frail, if you know what I mean.

I loved Sophie's charleston.