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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2018 17:17:32 GMT
As I'd seen the spoilers, I'd been waiting to comment on who had been paired with who. Also on checking the bookies odds - the clear two favourites are Ashley and Vick followed by Stacey and Danny.
My initial thought is that the female celebs are going to be stronger contenders than the men. Ashley has a dance background and Pasha has won series before and with a decent partner he will always be strong. Vick is one of the younger girls and looks very athletic but is her profile that high and with a new pro may need to be clearly the best to win. Stacey is very chirpy and despite sounding like Paloma Faith looks as if she wants to have fun and in Kevin has a very popular pro.
Faye and Katie have good partners - Faye has a fanbase and has done some dancing so could do well especially with a popular dancer like Giovanni. Katie will be determined but could there be any issues with her throwing herself about after her horrific attack a few years back. Kate will have fun but might be a bit clumsy especially with big feet and I cannot see her out-dancing the younger girls or being a Katie Derham.
Lauren is obviously very fit but her disability will obviously be an issue as AJ nearly dropped her when he lent her back last night and she has her championship to do which will cost her training time. AJ also may not be as experienced a choreographer to shape routines around Lauren's arm which say a Pasha or Kevin may have been better as.
Anton is by far the oldest male pro and was always likely to get Susanna. An early exit is likely. I agree Anton should have been moved into a presenting or judging role by now.
That Danny at nearing 58 is the top man in the betting says a lot about the men's chances compared to the ladies. Danny I think will do well and has some nifty moves and is also a showman but with a younger pro partner may struggle to get the support the best women do. Charles, Graeme and Lee if he doesn't get too horny dancing with the lovely Nadiya could also be useful if they have any sort of dancing ability. Charles may be the best of these and could be worth a look as top male if you wanted a fun bet.
Joe I have no idea what he is like as a performer but may stay in for a bit as he has a big following and as youngest male should be able to do something. He has talked about getting to Blackpool so could well go out then or week after.
Seann is only 32 but he doesn't seem a natural dancer so will likely not go far.
Dr Ranj will be fun and will have the This Morning bandwagon behind him and with Jeanette has a terrific little partner who throws herself about. They will be very entertaining and could go a fair few weeks but don't look a legit contender.
So I'd say Ashley, Vick and Stacey would be my top 3 contenders in that order followed by Danny and Faye.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Sept 9, 2018 17:57:41 GMT
Charles had all the “look into the camera and wink” cues perfectly lined up in the group dance. Also I didn’t like the cut of his jib in the partnering video or interview. Bit of an ego if you ask me. We like a bit of humble to start with babe, otherwise you look like a bighead. Save the showbiz for a bit further in.
Joe on the other hand, look at Charles and learn.
I’ve got the ridiculous hots for that comic Sean. No idea why, I just do.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2018 19:26:30 GMT
Clearly Dr Ranj should win. He's like a camp little puppy at Christmas.
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Post by lynette on Sept 10, 2018 9:27:30 GMT
It would be a shame if Lauren is token for diversity's sake so I hope she is good. I’m also a bit sorry for Anton. So obvious that he is given the older, no hope in hell person. Older doesn’t mean no hope but in this case, I’m v doubtful... she is no magician's wife. Who was the one in the bacofoil? Looks very confident to me.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2018 14:56:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2018 15:06:04 GMT
They had Jonnie Peacock last year so Lauren isn't the first Paralympian to be on it and Katie Piper has overcome a disability too and they had a cancer recovery person in Anastasia a few years back.
Strictly does look to tick a lot of diversity boxes with the contestants - age range, there will be at least a couple BAME contestants, at least one LGBT - Dr Ranj ticked both boxes for them this year! This is what we expect so it's not token diversity or them being PC.
With the Dancers they give us some eye candy from both sexes too.
Brendan has extended his current tour, has a panto, is doing another tour next year and his media work so he is doing okay.
James and Ola had a tour planned but it got postponed as James was injured.
The show moves on - lots of dancers have come and gone bar Anton, it has survived Len leaving even when the late great Brucie finished it has carried on. It makes you wonder how great the show would have been if Brucie had got it a decade or so earlier when he was still at his peak and would have been razor-sharp with his one liners.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2018 15:12:05 GMT
We can't fault Strictly for the diversity- it's been that way from the start, without it ever feeling forced. And they are an equal opportunities eye-candy employer, for which we must commend them.
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Post by poster J on Sept 10, 2018 15:53:53 GMT
What a load of rubbish! Also really unimpressed with the sleazy comment about Lee and Nadiya - she is in a long-term relationship and has a child, I doubt she's interested in romance with a washed up pop star in the slightest! I would say I thought Brendan had a bit more class than that but...
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Post by showoff on Sept 11, 2018 13:51:01 GMT
However, looking at it, it seems to be an endurance event, which includes camping out from 3AM until 9AM and then coming back again for further queues and sitting in extremely uncomfortable chairs for the duration of the show, which finishes gone 10 and then further queues for the phones they take off of you, an extremely long day. I can’t think of an event in the world that would get me to do that. And clearly a huge bias against anyone who isn’t a local. Imagine if you were coming down from the north and didn’t even get in? Not on. And you’re not telling me that they couldnt have a reserve list of people who would fill any empty seats at very short notice. I think it's crazy, and I agree about the bias with where it's set, even though I live in London, I'd still have to stay in a hotel as it's too far to go home after validation. They let you go at 9am and then you have to get back around three. Honestly, this has really been an experience. The BBC call centre have been really quite rude to me in this, and in an almost mocking way. Every time I've said anything they've come back with a no, cannot work, we cannot treat you any differently to everybody else. I've even used valid points in the equality act where you are expected to even make a one off change, but it was met with derision, quite honestly. I won't be able to go, and it's quite sad that it's because my body isn't up to it, through no fault of my own.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Sept 12, 2018 18:40:24 GMT
Kevin Clifton is joining the Rock of Ages tour to play Stacie...
whatever you do, don't search for the photo of him 'in costume'
I did. And I now need therapy.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2018 12:36:17 GMT
Kevin Clifton has a very grungy/rock look away from SCD so might be an interesting fit as Stacie. He is doing Rock of Ages when Strictly tour is on so obviously won't be on that. This year he did it but Karen didn't. He must be popular on the tour but they will just take one or both of the new male pros I guess.
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Post by anita on Sept 13, 2018 13:43:50 GMT
Kevin Clifton is joining the Rock of Ages tour to play Stacie... whatever you do, don't search for the photo of him 'in costume' I did. And I now need therapy. Wow. He looks good.
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Post by d'James on Sept 20, 2018 8:35:11 GMT
Here’s and interview with Faye and Giovanni. I love her hair like that. They’re doing the Cha Cha Cha this weekend.
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Post by d'James on Sept 22, 2018 12:56:21 GMT
Here are the opening titles. Don’t watch if you want a surprise tonight.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Sept 22, 2018 18:49:13 GMT
Did CRH ever give Anne Widdecombe 1 point?
My nose is wrinkling as I detect the pungent whiff of exploitation. The decision to put Susannah Constantine in that vile tangerine, and the stupid opening with the dress prop and ADB coming out in the comedy frilly trousers and maracas...how unkind. And her son in the audience too. Of course they could have given her something more manageable like a waltz but no, that would be too nice. I see very little promise in her dancing but really, give the woman a fighting chance to look nice and have a nice time In the early stages? I hope SC knows what she’s let herself in for.
Secondly, CRH sniffing at Sean Walsh for what was described as his aggressive approach to women. As if Sean had come up with that? And then the Ballas wom@n slagging off his appearance which I’m sure he was equally not responsible for. Yuk.
Unimpressed
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Post by Mark on Sept 22, 2018 19:52:54 GMT
Well I really enjoyed that. Some real potential, I particularly liked Dr Ranj, Lauren and Joe.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Sept 22, 2018 19:54:36 GMT
Joe Sugg was the biggest surprise of the night. Where did that come from?
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Post by oxfordsimon on Sept 22, 2018 19:58:03 GMT
Really didn't like Ashley - ridiculous overmarking there.
Danny was overmarked as well - he isn't as good as he thinks he is. Impossible to tell if Charles can dance within the rules of the competition as he was given a disco routine rather than Cha Cha.
Costumes were nearly all atrocious. Same for the hair. Really poor show from wardrobe and make-up
Dr Ranj is a little cutie. Joe did so much better than I thought possible
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Post by lynette on Sept 22, 2018 22:14:52 GMT
What Did Darcy have on her ears?
The usual rubbish costume on the older lady.
I like the new guy with the hair.....
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2018 8:55:28 GMT
Best twitter comment I read about new guy with the hair was 'couldn't you just climb him like a tree?'
As much as it was funny, unfair on Susannah and Anton. Could have given her a nice ballroom piece to start, let her do a stompy but decent dance in hold rather than making fun of them both.
Loved Stacey and Dr Ranj as my standout like them and their dance. Cricket man is also surprisingly good, which hopefully means Oti will stay in longer. I liked Ashley's dance, and hoping for a decent run from her and Pash.
Wasn't fussed on little AJ and Laura but I think that's more his fault because he irritates me for no good reason.
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Post by theatreian on Sept 23, 2018 9:01:42 GMT
A great opening show with some real potential. Very early to say though!
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Post by Tibidabo on Sept 23, 2018 10:14:48 GMT
I like the new guy with the hair..... Well he can take his hair and pirouette off from whence he came as far as I'm concerned. I don't think I have ever taken such an immediate dislike to a pro before. I'm so glad Craig called him out on it being all about him. If Tess starts drooling on him I may actually go and chain myself to some railings or something. I only knew (and vaguely at that) 2 of the 'celebs' beforehand this year, so from a pretty level playing field I've found the doctor and Stacey to be my stand-out candidates for Most Annoying Contestant - and it's doubly annoying as they are with 2 of my favourite pros, so it'll be a toss up as to whether or not I fast forward the bits when they are being particularly annoying - ie. speaking. Wasn't keen on Lauren or Lee and I felt sorry for Katie and her nerves. I wonder how she will fair in the Viennese waltz with the fast change of direction with no sight on one side. I thought the standard was pretty high for a first week. I liked Charles, Danny and Faye but I didn't feel there was a standout. Kind of missing the Judge Rinder type of antics. I think Anton may actually go out in the first elimination - that was too stupid for words. Oh, and I thought Joe was good, but he looks alarmingly like my hairdresser who has actually been suddenly absent for the past 3 weeks and, strangely, phoned yesterday to change another future Saturday appointment...hmm...?
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Sept 23, 2018 10:56:54 GMT
I have absolutely no doubt that Anton comes up with this stuff under instruction from the production team who have clearly decided to take the piss out of susannah from day 1.
I do appreciate that these shows are cast, and that people are put into certain pre-determined roles. I really hope that it’s done with the celebs agreement and understanding of what will be involved. But even so, and despite what motivates people to agree to it (the money, presumably) the blatancy of it last night was staggering. You can bet your life that the ever so PC BBC would not put Lauren Steadman or Katie Piper in a position where they got ridiculed by judges or audience.
I remember when Celeb Fame Academy was on years ago and comedian Jenny Exclair was on it. She said afterwards that the whole thing had a culture of low level but constant bullying by the production team to get people to do things they really weren’t comfortable with. “Of course it’s for comic relief so you’ll be ok with putting a pair of knickers over your head to perform this...right?” kind of thing. I suspect it might be the same here. “Oh but it’s Strictly... you don’t want to disappoint anyone do you?”. I don’t like it 😑.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2018 11:07:25 GMT
I mean I don't know the woman, but it seemed Susannah was kind of going along with it all for a laugh- even in her VT she was joking around about her lack of ability. With her 'other half' Trinny rebooting her career (she's got a Daily Fail column and some kind of business) I'm guessing she thinks it's a good platform for her to do the same. I'd imagine the general 'here for a laugh and whatever it can get me' has motivated her and others. Also in Susannah's case, she's an old hand at the media, and probably knows full well what game she signed up for.
But I agree I hope there's some kind of 'understanding' when people are put as the joker. I mean Ed Balls was certainly in on his own joke, and used it to his advantage, as did Rinder and Vine- as it's usually the older demographic you kind of hope they're playing the producers at their own game and having their own laugh as well.
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Post by vdcni on Sept 23, 2018 11:11:24 GMT
Interesting first week. Very solid without anyone really standing out.
Danny danced well but seemed a bit subdued. Maybe more of his personality will come out later.
Kate was a riot, her husband looked petrified at the end, and should be a fun addition.
Lauren and AJ were decent particularly given the minimal training time they had.
Seann wasn't great and I don't think laughing at his 3 will endear him. Think Katya has her work cut out for her to match the last two years.
Vick was awful and Graziano needs to pull it back a bit. Given how low profile she is she could be in trouble.
Susannah was as terrible as expected, Anton looks like he wants out already and just threw in all the gimmicks to get through it. That said she should have ballroom next week which is surely preferable for her in a dance off week. We'll see if he makes an effort there. Oh and yes Ann Widdecombe did get 1's from Craig.
Charles is a little over confident and as suspected wasted on Karen.
Ashley was as good as I thought so she'll last a fair while.
Ranj was one of the bigger surprises so we should get a great salsa from him. With Jeanette's limitations that's probably it though.
Katie is the years oh the nerves contestant. Gorka worked wonders with Anastasia in his one week with her so hopefully can help her through it.
Graeme & Oti seem like a great partnership and he was better than expected. Hopefully they'll be around for a while.
Stacey and Kevin are uber annoying and she's not the first person to do the Quickstep as first dance. Hopefully gone soon.
Lee was nothing special in a dull waltz.
Joe was a surprise, think he might struggle in the ballroom though.
Faye seemed nice and danced well. Another trip to the final for Gio I suspect.
Hopefully the pre dance interviews won't last. Interviewing isn't Tess's strong point so giving her more to do is somewhere perverse.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2018 11:20:41 GMT
How did little boy Blue get on?no one’s mentioned him.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2018 12:16:43 GMT
How did little boy Blue get on?no one’s mentioned him. Decent! he had a little slip but the judges chose not to mark down because it was on a stray bit of glitter or something that wasn't cleaned up. He did a nice solid week one ballroom and continues to seem like a nice chap. So not standout, but also not awful. I think he could be safe enough to have time to grow into something good if his Latin is ok. Oh and apologies I called Lauren Laura above. My bad!
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Post by lynette on Sept 23, 2018 13:45:27 GMT
I also think the costumes were meh. Some of the dresses didn’t fit the women around the middle and they used the old short with fringes too much. Odd as the first dress for the pros, that deep blue in opening number was good.
i know the dress designers and makers are very good but maybe they need to import another viewpoint to sharpen the designs and frankly, update them.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2018 16:45:49 GMT
I always wonder who has the say over theme of the dance - is it the pro, Jason Gilkison the director of choreography or the show's production team? My feeling is it is the show's production team as Jason seems to be more there to oversee the group numbers and as a former top dancer himself he'd probably not go with some of the cheesier ideas. For someone behind a lot of the show's content he seems to keep a low profile - the first time I ever saw a photo of him was when he married his partner and some of the pros were at the wedding.
I recorded the show so am watching it back in bits as you can end naturally after any dance.
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Post by anthony40 on Sept 23, 2018 18:32:04 GMT
I just watched the whole show in I-player.
Highlights for me (sorry not too good with the names just yet) was Joe (is it Joe? The little blogger boy), the gay Doctor, Raj, Kate Silverton, the handicapped try-athelete, Faye Tozer, Katie Piper and Stacey Doley.
Personally I reckon Charles (is it Charges? The guy from Holby City will be the dark horse of this competition.
Anton and Susannah. I reckon he's recognised that he's been given (yet another) dud and for a general audience and entertainment purposes is trying to disguise it with comedy.
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