Strictly Come Dancing 2023

KittyLester, I'm one who's walking on by. I think I'd pay not to have to watch what has become a meretricious spectacle.
I quite enjoyed the earliest series.

It was great to see it back, an uplifting programme to look forward to every Saturday night until Christmas. But the judges' dance was just plain embarrassing- the only one not making my toes curl was Anton, who can still cut it on the dance floor. The others were rather challenged even by the relatively simple choreography and looked way out of their comfort zone.
Whoever thought that was a good idea?

kittylester

I love Freddie from Eastenders and Mark someone who played Donte in the original Waterloo Road.

Didn't they both go to stage school though? They'll be pretty au fait with dance routines if they did. I'm pretty sure that one of them is actually trained in musical theatre which must give a ridiculous advantage!

I do enjoy Strictly, but don’t like all the over-the-top mutual praise for anyone and everyone. It’s all too false and predictable. I record the programme and just watch the actual dances and the judges remarks (although Shirley and the shouty woman irritate me). I thought that Anton danced brilliantly on Saturday - so lithe and athletic, unlike Craig whose attempt at that assisted somersault looked very clunky and uncomfortable. And Angela Ripon - no more jumpsuits please. You look great for 79, but stick to the dresses. Far more flattering and elegant.

The judges dance and performance was disappointing generally. Like others I only know a few of them. Not really a big fan of Strictly as there is far too much chit chat and the two hosts are irritating. The dancing and costumes are the most interesting thing so I just fast forward over the irritating bits of which there are many.

I agree with some of the negative comments, but I still think it’s a brilliant show, and I can’t wait to get going

‘Strictly’ is wonderful escapism for those who love it and I’m glad to see that the BBC still broadcasts it as some of their offerings are dire! A bit of glitz and glamour in these tough times does fans good; sadly I’m not one of them but lots of friends/family are and they really look forward to it. Personally, I’m waiting for ‘Bake Off’, saddo that I am!

I'm with your friends and family Amelgra - I love watching Strictly, enjoying all the glitz & glamour. I don't care who's on it, as far as I'm concerned they could just get people off the street & teach them to dance. I used to be a huge Bake Off fan but I thought last year's series was awful. This year's will need to be substantially better to hold my attention - too many weird food choices & some rather uninspiring contestants.

So happy that Strictly is back again for Saturday nights!
I have always admired Annabel Croft and will enjoy watching her journey on the show. I named my daughter after her many years ago! Sadly she lost her husband a few months ago and they apparently loved to watch the show together. A good pairing with Johnas as he will look after her.

I love the glitz and schmalz of the Strictly performance shows, couldn't give a fig for the It Takes Two nonsense.

I was really sad to see the judges' dance. Nice idea but it just showed up how unlithe they are compared to young dancers. I wish they'd done a number that was just the four of them - then they'd have looked great.

I haven’t seen the first show yet but if it has the constant screaming and whooping like last year that will the end of Strictly for me.

I really love the dancing, but wish they'd tone down the party atmosphere. It feels forced, I can often barely hear the commentary for the music, and find it hard to see the dancers clearly against the excessive lighting displays. I'm with glammagran on the whooping and screaming.

I so agree about the whooping and screaming, and when the audience claps, out of sync, I don't know how the amateur dancers cope.

agree no more jumpsuits angela rippon, not a good look on elder lady.

Strictly is on even earlier tonight at 6.15pm but no public vote yet so no eliminations until next week.
See you later .....

Sparklefizz
Thanks for the reminder, wouldn’t want to miss a minute

oh dear, strictly has been thrown into chaos after a celebrity has reportedly locked horns with their pro dancer ahead of the first live show on Saturday in the news stated amanda and giovanni.
also shirley ballas poorly and may miss first show.

Yes, I read that too. Amanda has complained about Giovanni's teaching methods and threatened to quit.

Step back everybody ... I'm first in the queue to replace her

Seems a bit odd, Giovanni always seems to have a good relationship with his partners

Apparently Laura Whitmore was a bit upset with his demanding teaching as well.

Babamaman I have to say that the year John Whaite and Johannes were partners, I thought they were the most beautiful and wonderful partnership with outstanding performances. I don’t like the lovey dovey bits though in any partnerships and skip through them,

I should think all the pros are quite strict, especially with any contestants who just want to joke around all the time (not that I can imagine Amanda A. being very jokey)

Katya has said herself that she's "very bossy".

Tess looks as if she's wearing waders

Yes, not keen on that look

Sparklefizz

Tess looks as if she's wearing waders

Just what I thought, Sparklefizz!

Great opening dance by the professionals.