Strictly - shall you?

She looks more like her old self. Good!

Well, it seems Claudia has been reading this thread! I've never seen such a quick transformation reversal!

Or just have the professionals, like in the old days?
My husband's uncle and his wife used to dance for Wales.
Or we could have Grimsby against the world.
Eurovision dance contest?

I think its got very tacky and silly, and certainly not as watchable as it used to be. Maybe like Brucie it should just be pensioned off. No disrespect to female presenters in general, but the present two with their girlish capers are doing no favours at all to the breed. Why can't we just dump all the flash crap, get in some professional presenters, and have proper dancing and responsible judging?

HollyDaze I too loved Claudia's original look, slightly kookie, which suits her slightly batty personality.
Tess needs to calm down IMO.

Not sure if I shall watch it now as I found it all a bit forced. I was so looking forward to the programme as I was a big fan, so perhaps shall give it another go.

Hollydaze my personal view is the age difference. Scott is so much younger than the other two. and like them, also has two left feet.

Am loving Claudia`s new look - she really suits it. I thought Jake and Caroline (not sure who she is) could go a long way

One thing did puzzle me: the remarks about Judy and Tim were quite gentle but very scathing about Scott Mills - why the difference?

Can't say I have a favourite yet (but it won't be those who can already dance) so looking forward to seeing them progress.

Poor Claudia, she can't won can she? I don't knkw why so many people feel they have to put her down all the time.

I know, I just don't understand it - I think she's great now Tess on the other hand

Anton did look rather good in his kilt - I did chuckle when he flicked the rear of his kilt at the audience behind him

I read that Claudia had changed her image to avoid viewers' comments.

Then she should have ignored them. She is always modest in her dresses (no boobs or bottom showing), she doesn't swear, she doesn't drape herself over them men - what more do viewers want for goodness sake!

This is one viewer that wants the original version of Claudia back.

Is it just me or does she look at least 10 years older?

Yes, it did age her. She has 'sloe-eyes' and I suspect that was the reason for the long fringe (bit like men with weak chins growing beards). I quite liked the way she used to look, it fitted her quirky character and I felt that quirky character was missing last night.

Grow your fringe back Claudia and to heck with what others think!

Poor Claudia, she can't won can she? I don't knkw why so many people feel they have to put her down all the time.

I thought Caroline and Jake stood out as ones to watch. Pixie and her partner look like siblings and I thought she did too much pop-star posing.

Anton did look rather good in his kilt - such lovely posture the pro dancers have. I fear he's on a hiding to nothing with Judy Murray though - she is very wooden and tripped over her own feet more than once!

Finally, I wish someone would tell Tess to stop shouting and talking over the judges - it's most irritating.

Of course, I can only speak for myself!

I got a phone call in the middle of the programme and I have to admit, I was quite pleased to have the distraction.
I think somehow it just smacks of desperation, trying too hard to keep the audience of viewers, and sadly, failing so far.

I wish Jake would have a good shave, I don't like his look, but he was definitely the best dancer.

I read that Claudia had changed her image to avoid viewers' comments. It didn't work did it?

I agree about Claudia with the lack of eye make up and fringe.

Why has she changed her image? Nobody would have expected Dusty Springfield to go on stage with a naked face.

But didn`t Anton look good 8n that kilt? Not wishing to upset all you Scots, of course.
Jake Woods was by far the best dancer tonight, the others were all overtaken by their nerves, although Caroline Flack wasn`t too bad.

After all I've said about Claudia with her fringe, black eyes and white lips (a look no one has worn since 1963) I thought the made over version just looked weird! Until she had the fringe trimmed I hadn't realised she pulls so many faces. Is it just me or does she look at least 10 years older?

I thought Tess was pretty dire too. Halfway through I actually found myself missing Brucie

Just watched first SCD of the season.

Although I do not like Claudia W I must admit she looked ok in her pink dress as opposed to her usual black outfits. Her hair looked better with a shorter fringe. She did however sway a bit if you look at this episode again you will see what I mean.

I felt sorry for Judy M she was nervous and messed up a bit.

Anton will have his work cut out, she was very wooden in the group dance.

To be fair, most of them did but isn't that part of the appeal of Strictly? If they turned up already being able to dance, what would be the point of the programme?

Think of the recent winners: Abby Clancy, Louis Smith and Harry Judd - none of them could dance (in fact some couldn't tell their right foot from their left!) but actually learned to dance and did it extremely well. Very worthy winners imo.

Judy looks incredibly embarrassed and out of place- someone has obviously told her to smile but it doesn't seem to come naturally to her.

Yes, she did look a bit self-conscious but I took that as she's not used to being in the spotlight. She has a fabulous smile though, her whole face lit up when that smile broke out.

I know it's only the pairing off show (but I smiled at most of what went on - Strictly does tend to make people smile which is nice) but I think I've warmed to her already. How I would love for it to develop the way it has with others who couldn't dance to begin with but they ended up being in the final.

No-one else really stood out for me but it's early days.