Strictly Come Dancing 2023

I do agree that Leyton has an advantage over the other dancers, but it’s entertainment, and he’s entertaining. I wouldn’t want to watch a dozen Zara’s, no matter how well they were improving.
I think in the end we vote for the dances which thrill us, not necessarily the most technically perfect, but something really special.
Over the years I expect a few dances stay with us, not necessarily from the most accomplished dancers.

Interesting links Grannynannywanny showing how young hopefuls can be inspired when learning from professional dancers like Layton.
My DD2 runs a dance school, and when someone who is in a musical comes along to do a class, the whole room lifts with energy. A lot of out of work performers offer this rôle while waiting for their agent to come up with their next audition.

I think Zara will be in the dance off but I'm not sure who else. Krishnan and Annabel got lower marks from the Judges than the others, and unfortunately now we are getting to the stage when much improved dancers go home.

Did anyone watch that documentary about Strictly on Channel 5 last night? It was lovely to see some old film clips from the very 1st Strictly and to hear how the show got off the ground. Apparently Darren Gough really broke boundaries and suddenly dancing seemed "cool" for sportsmen, and the programme had less difficulty in recruiting people to take part.

There were some clips of the first Come Dancing when the commentary was always about the dresses being homemade with thousands of sequins hand-sewn by the dancer's mum or gran. Remember that? I used to watch this as a child with my Mum, and she always commented on the hand-sewn sequins as she hated sewing herself and was hopeless at it, reluctantly sewing on a button but not much else.

Layton's training and professional experience don't bother me, as there have been previous contestants with similar backgrounds, but his predilection for performing as a woman, and not in the spirit of pantomime, does bother me, as does his presentation as a soloist, not a partner.
For me, those spoil his undisputed talent as a dancer and I find him uncomfortable to watch.

And here

prosfromtheshows.com/slayclub/

I understand that many of the dance celebrities, especially those from an acting background, will have stage school and dance experience . But I think it’s stretching it to have someone of Layton’s experience as a contestant. He’s a wonderful dancer and great to watch but he’d be better placed with the professionals than the celebrities. Interesting facts relating to his dance background here…

prosfromtheshows.com/pros/layton-williams/

Despite having improved, I think Zara will definitely go this week because she is both the weakest dancer and the worst (though not awful) performer. Her routines are always flat, probably because she is learning the dance piecemeal and doesn't link the moves together with fluidity. She seems a nice enough girl, but no one really knows her.
I'm not sure who the other dancer in the bottom two will be.
Mollygo's list shows how we get to our varying opinions, and that's fine. In the end, the big public vote will decide. I love this thread! ❤️

I don't want Leyton to win but mainly because he just doesn't come over as a very nice person to me. I know this isn't a personality contest but...

I didn't say Leyton had to win. I said if Leyton had to win. This is the thing about the competition- once it gets tight I think people do vote more for the skills. Early on it seems voting is a bit more flexible.

Layton does not "have to win" because the public have a vote, and in the past they have not taken kindly to someone with what they see as an unfair advantage. I haven't voted for him for this reason and I'm probably not alone in that.

I think the winner is usually the person who has improved dramatically , is popular, AND is by the final an excellent dancer. Strictly isn’t just a dancing competition.

Therein lies the difficulty, Notspaghetti. What is the same way as everyone else?

-Should we be judging like the judges, who rattle off a list of faults and mistakes, and then give scores of nine?
-If the judges think they’re the best, should we?
-Should we judge on who has made the most progress?
-Should we judge on the dance we enjoyed most each week, regardless of technical dance quality?
-Or the dancer we enjoyed who had the most difficulty to overcome?
-Or the dancer who we enjoyed because their professional has choreographed the best routine for their particular abilities?
And then you add
^ if Leyton is the best he will have to win, in spite of his obvious advantages^
Which IMO, makes a mockery of the efforts of every other dancer.

All dancers have things choreographed to their strengths to some extent but really Angela Rippon takes the biscuit here.

She is getting towards 80 Nanatoone - but ultimately you should be judging her at some point in the competition in the same way as everyone else... just as eventually if Leyton is the best he will have to win, in spite of his obvious advantages.

I was disappointed to learn that Layton Williams has been through drama and dance school since he was a child. He starred as Billie Elliot in the London production when he was 12 years old. When I knew that I thought it’s very unfair to put him in the competition beside people who have no previous dance experience. He’s a good dancer, but then he should be, he’s been trained!
I hope Ellie wins.

Louella12

I'm a bore because I really don't like Halloween week.

I dislike the weird costumes.

Me neither.
The makeup and wigs too?
Why do the judges have to dress up? It's just silly.

Fine for children but adults - No!

There's no disputing Angela Rippon is an excellent role model for her age group. She isn't dancing well though, and a significant amount was done sitting down. Clever choreography.

Ellie was fabulous. I quite liked Angela Scanlon but the music was all wrong for a Paso. And also liked Layton.

Oh my word Ellie. Keep having to watch it again and again. Sensational.

Haven’t seen it all yet as doing catch up but I think Angela R is fantastic and is a wonderful example to all of us older people. She’s getting towards 80 and you cannot judge her the same as someone in their early 20’s. Amazing.

Kristnan was absolutely wonderful, it was romantic somehow, loved it.

It was good tonight.. Layton and Ellie both amazing.
I gave a Vote for Bobby tonight as well as above.
Think Zara will be in the dance off again.

Ellie is still my favourite. She's brilliant.

Ellie x 2
Angela S x 1

I don't usually enjoy halloween night at all but thought it was a much lighter mood all round this year.
Krishnan, Adam and Ellie for me.

Really enjoyed the show tonight, despite the voting being a bit inconsistent.
I voted Angela S, Ellie, and Adam.

I agree Sparklefizz Ellie is very consistent. I love her and Vito’s partnership especially when he was explaining to Claudia about the lifts 🤣