So that’s IT for the first Strictly live show! Thank you all for joining in, it’s lovely to be back. I’m dashing off to Paddington to get my train home, so will read all your comments on the way back (GWR Wifi permitting). In the meantime you can find me on Twitter @heidistephens, so do come and say hello and share your tip for this year’s glitterball winner. See you next Saturday! Hx
Time for a quick reminder - how good was that for an opening show? I have a good feeling about this year, which is just as well as we’re here until Christmas either way.
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Scores: 7,8,8,8 - a total of 31 for Aston and Janette - a total of 31, which puts them at the top of the leaderboard. Debbie is close behind - it’s Brian and Ruth currently at the bottom.
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Craig thought the flashy moments were totally self-indulgent and nothing to do with the foxtrot, but Aston’s confidence shone through and he’s the one to watch. Darcey thought it was cool, controlled, confident and stylish, and Shirley thought it had great musicality, although Aston’s footwork needs work. Bruno gets into a rambling car metaphor, and thinks Aston could be a classic in the making.
Janette is looking fabulous in custard, and this is as marvellous as I hoped it would be. Aston looks totally at home on this dancefloor, with bags of attitude and style. Great technique too - my favourite dance of the night, and what a way to finish.
And FINALLY (oh thank god) it’s time for Aston and Janette! They’re dancing the Foxtrot to ‘It Had To Be You’ by Harry Connick Jnr. Aston is a trained dancer (DRINK), but has never danced this kind of dancing at all in his extensive dancing career.
They’re my current tip to make the final but not win due to absence of journey, but I think we’re going to see some pretty fancy moves out of these two.
Scores: 4,6,7,6 - a total of 23 for Mollie and AJ. The scoring started so well, but now we’ve reverted to the usual.
Bruno loved how Mollie wanted to own it, but she needs to let AJ lead and not flap her arms. Craig thought it was a bit flat-footed, but a great start. Darcey thought it lacked stamina and attack, but Shirley thinks they have great potential - Mollie just needs to build on the basics.
This is a great effort from Mollie - bags of personality and energy, but her balance is all over the shop and she doesn’t really nail the technique. It might have helped if the heels weren’t so high, but definitely potential for a Journey.
Next up it’s Mollie and AJ! They’re dancing the Jive to ‘Good Golly Miss Molly’ (DRINK) by Little Richard. These two are currently in pole position for Most Annoyingly Smiley Couple Of The Season – AJ seems to look younger every year, he’s like a ballroom Benjamin Button.
Scores: 2 (DRINK), 4,6,5 - a total of 17 for Richard and Diane. I knew I loved Shirley.
Shirley loved how Richard gave it 100%, but the technique needs work. Bruno thought it was a performance full of heavenly delights, but diabolical technique. Craig thought the problems began when the cloud landed, but Darcey thought it was divine - Richard sold it and she can’t wait for next week. Me neither.
Richard descends from the gods, playing a harp. Mostly this is to delay the moment he has to Cha Cha - but when he does it’s really not that bad. His timing is actually great, and he’s giving it all he’s got. Bit stompy, bit mad, camp as Christmas - I love everything about it.
Or maybe I’m just delirious. It’s been a really long day.
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Only three to go! Next up it’s the Rev. Richard Coles and Dianne- their first dance is the Cha Cha to ‘There Must Be An Angel’ (DRINK) by the Eurythmics. The Reverend is lining up to be this year’s Jeremy Vine/Ed Balls – someone who makes us all laugh and channels the joyful spirit of Strictly.
He’ll stay in until the public saves him over a more talented dancer, at which point there’ll be a tabloid backlash and he’ll go home the week after Blackpool. It was ever thus.
Scores: 3 (DRINK), 4,4,5 - a total of 16 for Ruth and Anton.
Darcey thought it had quality and grace, and Ruth has a lovely aura despite the balance issues and upper body. Shirley thought it was elegant, but it had a lot of mistakes and timing issues. Bruno thought it was a picture of wholesome loveliness, but Ruth’s feet had a mind of their own. Craig thought it was the stumble and grab dance, better luck next week.
Ooh, Strictly have got a new chaise longue! This all quite charming, although Ruth’s footwork is a shambles and she loses her top line pretty much all the way though. A pretty decent effort for Week One though, Ruth’s a total beginner.
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It’s time for Ruth and Anton! They’re dancing the Waltz to ‘This Nearly Was Mine’ by Seth MacFarlane. I have issues with the syntax of this song title, but let’s not go there now. Apparently Ruth does breakfast telly and is married to Eamonn Holmes, but I haven’t watched TV before lunchtime since Zig and Zag so I’ll have to take your word for it.
Scores: 6,7,7,7 - a total of 27 for Davood and Nadiya.
Craig was slightly charmed, but it needed a lot more hip action. Darcey loved the attack and energy, and Shirley loved the partnering skills - Davood was strong although there were posturing issues here and there. Bruno has taken too many of his meds, as per.
Nadiya has all the fringe going on, and Davood is already shedding clothing. There’s a vague attempt at hip action from Davood, although there’s still room for plenty more and his frame is a bit pitched forward. Still these two are absolute filth, and I love it.
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Next up it’s Davood and Nadiya! Their first dance will be a Cha Cha to ‘Dedication To My Ex’ by Lloyd ft. Andre 3000. Davood is on Eastenders and is rather dishy (I haven’t watched Enders in 30 years so I have no further comment at this time). Nadiya Bychkova is another one of this year’s new dancers, and is channelling her inner Kristina Rihanoff bombshell. I have high hopes for these two.
FIVE LEFT! COME OOOOOON.
Scores: 8,8,7,7 - an incredible 30 for Debbie and Giovanni.
Debbie could be the dark horse of this competition, you know.
Ooh, standing ovation from the lady judges! Bruno thought it was hot and spicy, with lovely lines and great detail. Craig thought she danced like a 20-year-old, and Darcey thought Debbie was on fire - she’s going to go a long way. Shirley thought it had it all, it was outstanding.
So Debbie is entirely fierce, and I love her. She’s got great moves, lovely shaping and her ballet training shines though. Bit too much chaos (and crotch) in places, but a brilliant Paso for Week One. GO ON DEBBIE.
Who’s next? It’s The Lovely Debbie McGee and Giovanni! They’re dancing the Paso Doble to ‘Be Italian’ by Fergie. Earlier this week Debbie said she knew she wanted Giovanni from their first meet and greet. You and me both, love.
Incidentally, if I look half as good at 58 as Debbie does, I’ll be very happy.
Scores: 5,5,5,5 - a solid 20 for Susan and Kevin.
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Andy, these biscuits are magnificent. Thank you.
Shirley loved the cheeky character, and she was impressed with Susan’s fleckerl. Bruno thought it was weird, but wonderful. Craig thought it was a bit skippy and the leg at the end sprung up like a mushroom, but Darcey loved the drama and storytelling.
What is growing on Kevin’s top lip? That’s just for this week, right?
Susan is looking all kinds of fabulous in leopard print, and I’m already smiling. Susan’s footwork and timing is actually very good, but a toe point at the end would have been nice. She’s never going to be the best dancer, but I suspect Susan is going to have a rather wonderful Strictly journey.
Next up it’s Susan and Kevin! Tonight they’re dancing the Viennese Waltz to ‘Mad About The Boy’ by Dinah Washington. This is presumably in reference to Susan’s Misery-style obsession with Kevin From Grimsby, so let’s drink.
Incidentally I love Susan with all my heart and will fight anyone who harshes her Strictly buzz.
We’re over half way! Stay with me people.
Scores: 7,7,8,7 - a total of 29 for Joe and Katya.
Darcey thought it had great attack, energy and style, and great choreography from Katya, but his kicks needed to be sharper. Shirley thought Joe did really well, and it was really entertaining. Bruno thought it rocked the house, and it had lovely shine and polish - for week one they did extremely well. Craig has three words - I like you. I like Joe too, more of him please.
Well this is all rather fun. Joe is actually really very good, albeit his knees are a bit soft and his kicks need more welly. But great character and a very solid first dance. Enjoyed that very much - he has great potential.
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It’s time for Joe and Katya! Their first dance is the Jive to ‘Rockin’ Robin’ by Michael Jackson. I’ve never seen any of Joe’s acting work, but am reliably informed that The Crow Road in particular was outstanding. But can he dance? A Jive is quite ambitious for week one, so bonus points for that.
Scores: 4,5,5,6 - a total of 20 for Jonnie and Oti.
Craig thought Jonnie’s posture and hand shaping is letting him down, but it was a brilliant job. Darcey thought it had lovely timing and control and he was so attentive as a partner, but he needs more character. Shirley thought it was endearing and it had nice rise and fall, and Bruno was totally charmed. Be thankful I didn’t put Bruno groping Shirley in this week’s Strictly Come Bingo.
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Oh god I love this song, and Jonnie (man bun aside) is glorious. This is all rather charming, albeit Jonnie has a long way to go in terms of technique. I have every faith that Oti can turn him into a rather wonderful dancer, and I’m really looking forward to it.
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Next up it’s Jonnie and Oti! Their first dance is the Waltz to ‘When I Need You’ by Luther Vandross. It’s hard not to love Jonnie and Oti is a total goddess, so I’m very much looking forward to this. Full marks to Jonnie for rejecting the fake tan thus far, but I’ll bet five pounds he has a Jay McGuinness-style makeover in Week 3.
Scores: 4,5,6,6 - a total of 21 for Chizzy and Pasha.
A man called Andy just bought me a cup of tea and a biscuit. I LOVE him.
Bruno thinks he could get addicted to fizzy Chizzy - this girl can move, although it needs refinement. Craig thought it was all disco and very little Cha Cha Cha, but Chizzy has great rhythm and feel for the music. Darcey loved Chizzy’s natural built-in boogie, and loved watching her. Shirley calls her Lizzy, which is awkward.
Well this is all kinds of amazing. Chizzy is a disco QUEEN and I love her. Not sure there is a great deal of actual Cha Cha Cha, but I don’t really care. She’s having the best time ever out there, and I’ve got my second wind.
It’s time for Chizzy and Pasha! Their first dance is the Cha Cha to ‘Boogie Fever’ by The Sylvers. I can’t remember which soap Chizzy is in (sorry, my TV knowledge is narrow), but she’s all kinds of fabulous and I have high hopes for her bringing a ton of much-needed sass and hairography to Strictly Saturday.
I don’t mean to worry anyone, but there are still ten to go. If anyone in Guardian HQ is reading this can you please bring a cup of tea and a biscuit to the third floor, I’m dying here.
Scores: 5,5,6,6 - a total of 22 for Charlotte and Brendan. I’m quite enjoying the sensible scoring.
Shirley loved the footwork, and it had a beautiful attempt at a heel turn. Bruno thought it was classical and elegant, but Charlotte has to be careful not to lose her frame. Craig thought they had great potential, and Darcey agrees - Charlotte has so much to give.
These two could be ones to watch, if she can give it both barrels in Latin.
Charlotte is looking positively bridal, and this is all rather fabulous. A proper traditional Foxtrot, with lovely lines from Charlotte and bags of style and class. Elegant and gorgeous, absolutely loved that.
Piers Morgan is on my telly. Do not want.
Right, who’s next? It’s Charlotte and Brendan! Their first dance is the Foxtrot to ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’ by Michael Buble. I’m guessing from the song choice that Charlotte is actually fairly dreadful and is hoping the judges might be gentle with her. Who is Charlotte again? Does she do the news?
I don’t know about you, but I think Shirley might be one of the best things to happen to Strictly. Just saying.
Simon’s a trier, I quite like him.
Scores: 3 (DRINK), 5,5,4 - a total of 17 for Simon and Karen.
Darcey liked the determination and focus, but the drama needed more shaping. Shirley thought it needed more rotation, but it was a good job. Bruno thought it was stompy and needed more artistry, and Craig agrees - it had no Spanish line and lacked shaping.
Well, Simon. He’s not the world’s best dancer, but Karen is making him look actually pretty decent and he has plenty of attack. A bit light on passion and a tad stompy (also those arms are a disaster), but we’ve definitely seen worse.
Next up it’s Simon and Karen! Their first dance will be the Paso Doble to ‘Song 2’ by Blur. This is a brilliant song and I’m already distressed at what horrors are about to be unleashed on it over the next three minutes. Simon is this year’s TV Chef – one of the weekend morning shows I think? Look, I’ve been on holiday, stop nagging me.
Scores: 5,6,6,7 - a total of 24 for Alexandra and Aljaz. Feels a BIT like the judges have been told to hold back on the scores, which would be a first.
Craig wanted a longer neckline in hold, plus various other nitpicky stuff, but Alexandra’s arms are incredibly expressive and it was lovely. Darcey loved the feeling and musicality, and Shirley got carried away with the emotion, but Alexandra needs to focus on her legs and her feet. Bruno’s groping Shirley - he loved Alexandra’s natural artistry.
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CRYING. DRINK.
Alexandra is looking dreamy in mint glitter, and Gorka is rocking the slacks. This is a lovely romantic Waltz, with brilliant footwork and rise and fall from Alexandra. They make a smoking hot couple, and I’m very much looking forward to watching them all the way to the final. YES.
It’s time for Alexandra and Gorka! Their first dance is the Waltz to ‘(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman’ by Aretha Franklin. Because Gorka makes Alexandra feel like a natural woman, presumably. Gorka makes me feel all kinds of things, but let’s not go there now.
I was booked in for a dance lesson with Gorka earlier this week, but for various reasons it didn’t happen. Still bereft.
Scores: 3 (DRINK),4,4,5 - a total of 16 for Brian and Amy.
Bruno loved the drama and intensity (eh?), but the footwork was ill-fitting. Craig though Brian’s posture was poor, and he wasn’t driving or leading the dance. Darcey thought the intent was there, but it needed more stalking. Darcey thought some of Brian’s moves were good, and he really tried.
Are Darcey and Shirley involved in some kind of earring competition? By Christmas it will be full-sized chandeliers.
Amy is dusting, Brian is wearing sparkly red shoes. Brian’s Tango Face is a bit confused, and there’s quite a lot of power walking. Yeah this is awful. Still, week one.
Nobody listening to my plea to bin the comedy VTs. SIGH.
Next up it’s Brian and Amy! They’re dancing the Tango to ‘Temptation’ by Heaven 17, which is a good song for stomping around in a comedic fashion. Amy is one of this year’s new dancers, which means she has to earn her stripes dragging Brian round the dancefloor while he does some hammy gurning. SO much to look forward to.
Scores: 4,5,5,6 - a total of 20 for Gemma and Aljaz.
So what did the judges make of that? Shirley thought it was cheeky and Gemma brought it, but she wants Gemma to work on standing on a straight leg. Bruno loved the pouting and it had great attitude, but her foot placement was a bit shonky. Craig thought it was blocky and square, and a bit on the heavy side. Darcey thought it was a great way to break the ice this season - cheeky and flirty.
Gemma has been fully ronsealed and looks all kinds of fabulous in coral. Aljaz is just...*fans self*
Well this is a perfectly serviceable Week One Cha Cha - all a bit tentative from Gemma and not necessarily a party I’d want to stay at for very long, but she’s doing her best. She’s one who’s going to grow in confidence over the coming weeks, I reckon.
One of the best things about week one is actual training footage. Can I put in my annual request to bin the comedy VTs? They’re awful.
Time for some dancing! First up it’s for Gemma and Aljaz - their first dance of the season is the Cha Cha to ‘There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back’ by Shawn Mendes. Ooh, that’s well modern. Hard to tell at this stage if Gemma is going to be willowy and elegant, or all legs and no coordination. Mostly I want her to be great so I can watch Aljaz dance for the next 13 weeks, but that’s just me being selfish.
Here come the celebrities! No early indications of who has already cheesed off wardrobe, and will be subjected to Louise Redknapp’s recycled sack dresses all season. There’s still time.
Oh god, there’s so many of them. Send help.
Out come the judges! I quite liked Shirley from the launch show, she talks a lot of sense and has some serious moves. A worthy substitute for Len, I hope they’ve paid her enough to warrant being manhandled by Bruno every weekend.
TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: penguin pantsuit and a Christmas bauble. They’re both rather fabulous, which is disappointing.
Ooh, we get an opening pro dance. Oti is feeling hormonal on the sofa in her nightie, but then she’s flying with Giovanni. Just say no to the drugs, love.
Cue lots of hot pink contempo-wafting to the Avicii remix of You’ve Got The Love.
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Get used to this intro sequence, we’ll be watching it twice every weekend until Christmas.
And we’re off! Last time on Strictly – all this year’s celeb/pro couples were paired off, and they’ve spent the last two weeks immersing their lives in glitter. Tonight they dance LIVE for the very first time. EXCITED.
As dodgy Strictly VTs go, this one is quite fabulous. More of these please.
Oh god, The Apprentice is back. Let’s all take a moment to remember the time when that was good.
Right, Pointless is finished. Let’s get this glitter party started.
It’s time for the very first Strictly Come Bingo of the year – take a swig of whatever tickles your fancy for every occurrence of the following:
- Craig scoring 3 or less
- Celebrity-related song choices
- Any mention of previous dance experience
- Early sightings of the Strictly lamppost/café table
- Crying
Evening all, and welcome back to another year of the Strictly Come Dancing liveblog! Apologies for missing the launch show, I was squeezing in a quick holiday before committing every weekend until Christmas to this sparkle-fuelled endeavour.
So tonight we see all our couples dance for the first time, but the voting lines will NOT be open and nobody is going home. That all starts next week, when we move to Saturday and Sunday shows as usual. The judges’ scores do carry over, however, so it’s definitely worth giving it both barrels.
This year’s live shows have kicked off a week earlier than usual, which has caused some mild drama chez Stephens. I had tickets to take my son to Les Miserables in London this afternoon, which hasn’t allowed time for me to get home to the West Country in time for tonight’s show. So I’m liveblogging from Guardian Towers this evening, churning out possibly the most frivolous nonsense ever generated within these hallowed walls (don’t argue).
If you’re new to the liveblog this year, a very warm welcome – if you’re an old hand, welcome back. The rules are pretty simple; I keep up a running commentary on the glitz and glitter up here, and you add a sprinkling of wit and wisdom down below. I’ve been doing this liveblog for about eight years now and we’ve always managed to keep it (for the most part) a fun and friendly corner of the Internet – so if Strictly isn’t your thing, you should feel free to move along. If, however, you’re a fan of the show, you’ll find yourself in very good company, and newbies are always welcome to the party.
All the action kicks off at 6.25pm, so grab some biscuits and booze and buckle in for a ballroom bonanza. Yay, Strictly’s back!
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