Strictly's Back

Grumppa - 'strangely attracted to millionaire Paul Daniels'

Debbie and Paul were married 28 years? There must have been some magic in there somewhere then.

Well every year I say I'm not going to get into it but every year I end up getting hooked.
Ballet or not Debbie M was great. I've had the ''celebs'' all explained to me so now , so bring it on. It brightens the colder autumn and winter evenings. (Just ignore Tess)

It cheers me up, too. My DH thinks it's dreadful but gallantly cooks the dinner on Strictly nights and beyond a bit of eye rolling he doesn't complain too much.

How can Tess be ignored ?

I thought on the whole that the standard for the first night was good. I agree, I do not think it a level playing field because some have two left feet whereas others have had some dance training.

It was a bit long for me tonight but the time will shorten as the weeks go by and some are eliminated.

Enjoyed it overall. Have thought for the past many series that there was no level playing field and wouldn't be for the benefit of television. Will be pleased when the programme is shorter, not sure who I'm rooting for yet.

I was referring to the famous Catherine Tate interview with Debbie. So many celebs have been to Arts Educational, Italia Conti, etc., that they are bound to have had some dance training. Given that she's now in her 50s, I thought DMcG was very good.

I can`t remember a first show with such high scores before. I couldn`t understand Joe McFadden`s jive getting so much praise, I didn`t think it was all that good.

It was Caroline Ahern Grumppa, not Catherine Tate.

Thank you!

I reckon it's all over now. That boy band person who danced last will win. Boring!

I think the judges are just right now. The new judge Shirley is much better than Len who often seemed very irritable. I always thought he was very insincere - that smile was rarely genuine. Bruno seems to be ultra excitable in this series but he does know his stuff. I agree with whoever said it - new judge Shirley is very much like Arlene. It was a crime to push her out.

I think the new judge used far too many technical-if that's the correct word- words for dance steps and moves

I think it gave her credibility. She's head judge and has to really know her stuff technically. The others can fluff on about the acting or expressive arms. I was reassured by her obvious detailed knowledge.

I was a strictly virgin until this morning , never watched a show the whole way through but have caught glimpses as scrolling through channels. Last year I turned in just to watch judge rinder's first dance then did not tune in again.
Seeing as there is so little on tv as usual and I'm home alone (another horse show on so all gone to that) dinner is prepped and chores all done I decided to sit and watch it on catch up . Is it always on for that long??
Never normally sit and watch tv for that length of time. Anyway I'm not sure I can be bothered to sit through it again it seems be so drawn out and the fact that Tess Daly is so dull too does not draw me in .

I find it a bit unfair on the 'novice' dancers. Apparently Debbie McGee used to be a ballet dancer. I'm not sure what chance the non-dancers have against such competition. I don't really watch it - just sticking my spoke in.

Not sure how many of last years lot had dance experience but the chap who won, Ore, had none and he was wonderful. Doesn't always follow that the trained ones win. With DM, ok so she had ballet training. Doesn't mean most of the others don't have decades over her. Swings and roundabouts.

All at stage school hsve dancing instructions, and Debbie McGee was no Darcy Bussell

I didn't know that Annie Great to know that a non-dancer won last year.

I think the "trained" ones (usually they've been to drama school), whilst usually superior in technique are sometimes a bit too slick and predictable.

I actually thought Debbie McGee was really good - very graceful. I suppose the ballet must help in that respect but ballroom dance is very different from ballet.

Watched it for the first time ever on Saturday but found it quite tedious. I used to really enjoy Dancing on Ice due to the 'danger' factor and a secret crush on Christoper Dean.

I was glad to hear the remarks of the new judge which were encouraging but firm in their expectation. I liked the technical terms but I would like them further explained and demonstrated - perhaps that will happen on the Zoe programme.

For my money, it'll be McGee and Merrygold (love that name!) in the final plus Alexandra Burke; and early drop outs will be Brian Conley, Ruth Langsford Simon Rimmer, none of whom showed any promise, imo.

The early stages are rather tedious, I find. I do agree with earlier remarks about Claudia W. Lord only knows how they justify paying her nearly half a million squiddlies

PS I'm rather concerned about B.Conley. You need a very thick skin on Strictly and I think he's a bit too vulnerable. Early days....

Love Susan Calman.
"She's my favourite"