Strictly Come Dancing

It might be a painful experience watching total novices with zero rhythm

It's not until I see Jacqui Smith's face appear in the opening credits that I remember she was ever in it as it seems so long ago!

Ellianne Do they get to choose their own music? Sometimes I think the choices don't work.

I agree Sparklefizz, it is the whole performance that counts for me. The choice of music, the costume and hair, the set and lighting, the acting and of course the dancing.

Contestants who are actors already have an advantage, I think, because all of the dances tell a story and the dancers have to act - those celebrities who are athletes or newsreaders are likely to be much more self-conscious. I remember a male celebrity in a previous series saying that he found it hard to be "all over" his pro partner in the Rumba and to "act romantic" when he knew his children and wife were watching.

Former professional James Jordan was rather scathing about last night’s show. Very negative comments about Bill and predicts his time is up.

In his opinion, last night was the worst ever semi final and standards have fallen. Then again he would say that when he’s no longer part of it!

Yes Debbie McGee was Royal Ballet trained and a professional ballet dancer, even soloist at one point.

I hope Bill or Ranvir go out. I like Jamie and I would like Maisie or Hrvy to win . Bill has irritated me all the way through . I can’t believe he’s still in and the judges seem to rave about him even when he does a poor dance. I think they’ve already made up their minds about some dancers and some of the scores have been biased

Debbie whatshername (Paul Daniels widow) had trained as a ballet dancer when young i think. I’d much prefer if it was genuinely celebrities with no dance training. Most actors have some.

And a terrific little actress when 6 years old, I`d like to see her or HRVY win.

I'm not sure that Maisie has had as much dance training as people are claiming. She is first and foremost an actress. Admittedly she went to a local stage school in Essex but she hasn't had the Italia Conti, Laines or Arts Ed experience and training. Her roles have been mainly acting stroppy little red haired girls. I'm guessing she has pop danced round her bedroom and has a love of street dance, but she said she knew nothing about ballroom.
I just love her no fuss attitude and she is only 19.

Lots of them have dance experience, Calendargirl

Maisie is another who has had a lot of dance experience. A lot more than Bill! There has been complaints about her having an unfair advantage.

I'm quite glad that some of the contestants know their way round a dance floor though

It might be a painful experience watching total novices with zero rhythm

Sparklefizz

Maisie said she had had dance training at stage school when she was first chosen to appear, but not ballroom. Ranvir, Bill and Jamie have had no dance training at all, so they have had to start from scratch and their progress has been hard won.

Just reading in the Telegraph magazine an article on Bill Bailey in which he states When I was a teenager I had ballroom dancing lessons, and I came second in a limbo-dancing competition once-but that was my only experience with dance until going in for Strictly.

Not an absolute beginner then.

I think Ranvir has come to the end of her Strictly journey. I thought her waltz last night was mediocre. She has come a long way and has improved a lot, but I don't think she has the necessary fluidity or natural ability of either Hrvy (what's with his inability to use vowels?) or Maisie.
Bill does a fantastic job for an older person (agree, he's not 100), but I don't think he's winner material.

I like Tess - she does the job she is there for - unlike Claudia who seems to like acting completely daft for some reason. and that fringe.......get me the scissors!!

DH says he’s like to see Carol Kirkwood be a Strictly presenter.
He has a soft spot for her. We went to a theatre dance show Pasha did , and she presented that after being his partner the previous year.

I do also yet a couple of weeks ago I thought she may win it.

Lucca

Totally agree ...I could never watch anything with Zoe ball in it.
Its not tess’s accent I mind by the way !

No, but someone objected to her accent (can't remember who!)

I think Ranvir will go

And I say roomba

I’ve enjoyed the CGI - computer generated imagery as well this year I thought the snow globe was beautiful! I think the standard has been great and am very appreciative of how difficult it must’ve been to set it all up this year . My favourite professional are Jeanette and Karen and I also think Karen looked great with dark hair ! I think Jamie and Ranvir have really shown progress but I like them all so I don’t mind who wins . A previous male winner with a good sense of humour might give a different angle alongside Tess and Claudia as others have said .

Totally agree ...I could never watch anything with Zoe ball in it.
Its not tess’s accent I mind by the way !

I felt so sorry for Ranvir - she has done so well until last night and I have a feeling she has come to the end of the road. I would like Maisie to win with Bill coming second. I am not a fan of Harvey or Jamie.

like such presenters as Zoe Ball
Or Joe "it's all about me" Lycett

Sounds like I'm in the minority but I don't mind Tess at all.

I'll join you in the corner, Beauregard
She seems a friendly, pleasant girl, not shouting "me, me, me, look at me" like such presenters as Zoe Ball and there is absolutely nothing wrong with her accent!

Sounds like I'm in the minority but I don't mind Tess at all. I also like Jamie, although I think HRVY should win. I'll go back to my lonesome corner now.....

Oh, not Matt Baker please!