I've watched every SCD since it started, this is the first one that I actually fell asleep whilst watching. All the glamour is there, the beautiful dresses , music etc., but somehow tonight it did not hold my attention and I felt myself becoming bored and promptly fell asleep during about 20 mins of the show. I felt it lacked the sparkle of former shows, and Arlene's sharp tongue and excellent critique's of the dancers.
As for Alesha, she adds glamour {if more glamour is needed} and little else I'm afraid, does anyone else share these views?

I do know what you mean. I think 16 couples is too much for a start and much as I have always loved Bruce he did grate on me tonight. Perhaps they needed to change the format a bit. It was all so like last year.

Oh I take that back - Len moved seats.

Nope, still great for me, except for Alesha.

I loved it and was enthralled .but I am surprised that the singer during Ali and Brian s dance didnt wake you!!!

Yep, I had a tough time getting through that, and doubt I'll be watching tomorrow. It's too long, too complicated and faffy now, Strcitly worked when it was a simple formula which zipped along (ie. the first few series). It took an age to get started tonight, and then it draaaaaaged.

I never manage to get into it properly until all the couples are dancing in the same show so I'll reserve judgement til then. Am not liking Alesha though, she is already spoiling it for me with her butting in and pointless comments.

It finished all too quickly for me.

I'm already gearing up for tomorrow night's installment so I guess the buzz is still there as far as I'm concerned!

I did miss Arlene though

OMG was she awful or what??????? I had my hands over my ears for most of it. It really detracted from the dancing. I thought at one point she was being attacked, Ali would get confused and think she was on the set of The Bill and would have Bruce in cuffs.

She Did, I thought my dog was in the garden killing a cat.!

I loved it. Couldn't get into last year's show very much, but was genuinely excited about the show this year and I think they've got some great couples.

To me the show really missed Arlene, I just hope I can get used to Alesha, I will have to or she will spoil the show for me somewhat.

I think it was a mistake having all ballroom, the latin livens things up a bit. I''m easily pleased though, as long as it's strictly, i'm happy

sHE ruined the dance for me , I could not concentrate on the beauty of the dance ,I will have watch tomorrow again and mute the sound ,It was awful

I had to cover my cats ears > i think he thought he was being tortured

It's changed, I don't like it on a friday night, it's a Saturday evening show, it' didn't feel right.

Completely agree that it has lost its sparkle. Too many dancers and 'celebs' that I have barely heard of. Usual lousy camera angles. Too much waffle and not enough dancing.
It looks tired now - typical BBC to hammer a success story to death!

I think it actually regained its sparkle after all the agro and bad atmosphere of last year.

It was nice to see a night when the judges didn't nearly come to blows.

I think it might perk up a bit when we get to it on just Saturday night.
There was no real point to tonight - no climax, no voting, no tension - why bother - I just don't see the point.

I also don't think it feels quite right on a Friday.
Friday is for "It Takes Two" finding out what they are wearing and hearing a snippet of the tunes.

Saturday night is for the dancing.

But that's just a temp thing. I know what you mean though!

I don't think so...and it's probably best to reserve judgement until a) you're used to the changes this year (especially the initial Friday shows with no elimination) and b) you can be sure you're not just reacting to over expectations.

I thought it was fantastic glitzy the lot, just missed karen hardy and arlene thats all

I loved it - it was interesting and fun.

Some great potential there.

Sad about Arlene though. And about Allesha, didn't rate her at all and she cheesed me off more than once. And I like her.

It'll all be okay though. Beginning week is always all over the place.

I really enjoyed it , last year was pretty dull imo.Liked the pro dance at the beginning.Hopefully this will be an regular thing.Definately brightened up my friday night.

im actually enjoying this year alot and its only part 1 of week 1 haha

Im delighted that all the couples, will be dancing from week 3 this year.Last year we had to wait till week 5.I think i'l burst with excitement when i see Claudia on ITT