Strictly - shall you?

Yes - it was easier to say nothing than be honest...

I just ran the list of contestants past DD and she was horrified and recognised even fewer than I did. She suggested that if they count as celebrities they might as well bring on a few celebrities' hairdressers or grocers.

Or even Bakers like Paul Hollywood. It might help him to lose some of his Bakers' Tum - he would be quite cracker then, but his wife would have to give him strict instructions to keep his kneading to his dough.

Judy Murray has been paired with Anton du Beke according to a spoiler I have just seen.

Yes Gaga I saw that too, they could do really well, which would be nice for Anton.

I wonder if Andy Murray bribed the producer with a promise of tickets for the Royal Box at next year's Wimbledon to pair Judy with Anton and not one of the snake hipped, bare chested younger professionals?

Well, I enjoyed the pairing off programme, I think it might turn out to be an enjoyable series again. The three new professionals look good, the Australian lad can certainly move!

I thought it was good for about two minutes and then it was just a bit embarrassing.
Why does Claudia have to shout so much? I used to like her when she presented the It Takes Two show.

We enjoyed it, although it was loud and brash, but then Strictly has always been that. Could have done without 'Brucie' posturing, though. It is a pity he continues to think he is funny, not sure that I am looking forward to those shows he will be performing on later in the year. I was glad that Anton got someone who at least looks as if she can put on a decent show,but Tim is the one I am going to watch!

I thought Jake moved like a dancer already, think he will do well.

Is it Jake then Sal? Are you going to nag us to vote for him?

Actually, I thought so too! I thought Thom looked really uncomfortable.

My lips are still sealed kitty! I shall reveal all when I decide who to choose later in the series.

I spent the whole programme clutching a cushion in horror especially when Gregs grinning maw kept finding the camera. Love Alison for her energy, 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. please let Greg go first!!!

I love Alison too, she is funny and game for anything, I hope she doesn't do herself an injury with all that bouncing about!
Like the Irish couple too, (Mrs Browns wife) and the newbie. I bet they'll have some fun.

That young fellow Trent can sure move! I think that he is partnered with Pixie Lott so he should get her moving.

I agree, Alison has loads of energy- I am hoping that she does well.

I thought that we had seen the end of Bruce commandeering the show but no such luck- he will be back for "specials".

Ohhhhhhhhh its back and I love it - Frankie Bridge and Simon Webbe would be my tips to go far and hope Judy Murray does well teamed with Anton is a good pairing. Agree with some others pity the old codger is still knocking around and hogging the limelight but thankfully will only appear in a few "specials" roll on 3 weeks time when it all gets underway

Well, as another old codger, I was very happy to see Brucie last night, would very happily see the back of the annoying Claudia!

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

Just realised there's no point watching now Artem's gone

Aka I could not agree more, she looked terrified

I like the look of Kevin's sister, Joanne, though I'm not sure that she has hit the jackpot with Scott Mills. Time will tell. But Kevin's partnership with Frankie seems quite promising.

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.

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.

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.

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