Strictly's Back

Yes Franbern it was too long.
I've been watching the series with my young grandchild. It was too long for her although I enjoyed it.

Joe has danced in musical theatre, but I was voting for him partly because Katya delivered fantastic choreography no matter what music choice they were given. I was also voting for Gemma because she was the journey celeb and a lovely woman (figure to die for). Alijaz is definitely my favourite male pro these days and I get the feeling that he's a great person to be around. Janette is a lucky woman.

Alex was the best dancer and also danced in musical theatre, but quite honestly I think she'd be great at anything she turned her hand to - such a talented and hard working celeb. I've watched Strictly since the very first episode and made real life friends with some of the people I met through a Strictly forum and we all agree Alex has been subjected to far more nastiness and abuse than any other celeb who's done the show - and that's saying something.

Debbie was the one for me whose previous dance experience was too much. grannyactivist has posted about Debbie's experience and the advantages it gives her. I was disappointed that Debbie and Giovani opted to do a ballet performance as their showdance because it felt like a bit of a cop out and didn't show any of what she'd learned. She defended her previous experience by saying it didn't help her with Ballroom and then did a balletic showdance. I think she's a terrific dancer and the whole Strictly experience was good for her. It did get on my nerves in the end the amount of times she mentioned her age. I was waiting for Shirley to say to Debbie that she was only two years younger! One of Paul Daniel's sons has caused a lot of trouble for Debbie since his father died. Apparently he was a problem while Paul was alive and hasn't honoured his father's wishes, even though he said he would. I think she's a lovely person with a core of steel.

I could only watch the final on catch up because we had tickets to see Queen and Adam Lambert. It was our Christmas present this year and it didn't occur to me when we bought the tickets months ago that it would clash with the Strictly final! First time I've missed watching it live! Joe and Katya didn't need my vote after all! ???

Glad Joe won in the end because he is so genuine and he looked amazed when the announced his name, no side to him at all. I do think Alexandra was the best dancer and loved watching her. Gemma wasn't in the same league and sorry I can't stand Debbie so glad she didn't win as I feel she expected to, I thiught her conceited.

The thing that has annoyed me throughout the series is the constant references to Debbie's age. Ye Gods! she is only 58, not reached pension age yet. Many of us are 20 years older and still dancing. I was never a great dancer though I loved to dance but my parents, with never a lesson in their lives, used to cause other dancers to stop to admire when they took to the floor - ballroom of course. My big sister still in her 70's goes to dance class weekly, appears with the 'seniors' in the dance class shows and dominates the room when she dances at parties, weddings etc.

AND what about all the oldies who do old time and Country dancing? OK it is a bit more sedate (I'd need at least 2 partners if I had to be lifted and burled about) but lovely to watch.