Silly tweaks to the format of the last year or two have weakened Strictly, but now the ultimate mistake of sacking the lovely Lilia has ruined it for me.

I'll be over on SkySports watching the Speedway Grand Prix...Strictly without Lilia just doesn't make sense.

Love the name , are you related to the BBC poster
Lilia ToppleOver .?

ther are other pro's you know.... with just as good dancing skills and personality.

It is a shame Lilia has left, but that was her choice in the end. Strictly started without her and will go on without her. I'm really excited about this series now and can't wait for tomorrow night's show.

This. Personally, I think the most upsetting change is a lack of a celebrity partnership for Ian, but all the stuff over the past few days have made me really excited about the series starting!

If only I hadn't agreed to work 5-8 tomorrow evening!

I do find it strange seeing Darren with a new partner and Ian on the edges - very weird. It might have been easier if they ad all gone, otherwise we will be seeing constant reminders.

Shame about you working!

I still think it's not outside the bounds of possibility that (some from) Ian, Darren, Crystal, Tanya, Shem and Aneta will end up with celeb partners next year, and some of the current celeb-ed up pros will be in the dance troupe - we'll have to wait and see. I'm telling myself it might happen, anyway!

Quite possibly if they have tall lady celebs again next year Ian might be back... and I can see Tanya and Aneta possibly being paired (but it would entirely depend on if they have any teaching ability).

Its not the Lilia Show, and Lilia made the very difficult decision that what they were planning this year was too far from what she thought it should be.

We will have to see how it turns out, but I support her decision, even though it means the show's main attraction to me is now missing.

The only plus point I give them this year is that the list of celebs is good. I wanted better pro dances, but suspect I will be disappointed in the direction that takes.

I hope that's how it will work too (like on DWTS). We will see Matt C because he is definitely doing some choreography for this series, so that's better than nothing I guess.


I do respect Lilia's decision and being open about her reasons and hopefully the SCD door isn't closed to any former pros.

It is an incredible loss to have Lilia gone but the show has never revolved around one pro although for some fans that is how it is. Otherwise they would have retitled to Strictly Come Dancing with Lilia and her pro dancer friends" or insert name of pro who should be the centre of the programme".

I can understand feeling blah but you never know, there might be a celeb or other pro that you can champion and support and the show will become enjoyable again.

I didn't enjoy my favourite pro leaving either, but on the other hand it does leave you free to enjoy the show without the anxiety of thinking that some idiot might drop her on her head, or that you'll have to come on DS afterwards and read all sorts of fatuous nonsense written about them by people who couldn't dance their way out of a paper bag

The reverse side is that minor things you put up with while your pro was still there can become MAJOR irritations....In my case, Brucie and the judges

I do find it strange that Lilia has gone but Darren has remained Perhaps she wants to start a family?

She's already got one, she's been pregnant every year for the last 6 years.


I agree with the op, Lilia has always been my favourite pro and without her Strictly is rubbish!

I agree with the op too !!!

Lilia is and always will be my favorite pro ! I miss her already

I think Lilia is the most iconic female dancer Strictly has... I think that were a lot better options to give the boot.

Agree missing Lilia already ...........

I can't help wondering how Marian Keyes is coping with it all?

they shuda dumped brendan.

Darren should send his identical twin brother on for him, if he fancies staying at home on a Saturday night with Lilia.

When I learned the Cutler wasnt coming back, I was annoyed and thought I wouldn't bother anymore.

However at the moment, I'm quite excited about the new show - I dont have to worry whether a certain couple of going to get through week after week and I can be slightly objective about it all and just enjoy it - not get latched on to a couple before seeing them dance etc etc.

I'll miss Lilia very much,but I respect her decision not to be sidelined by the BBC. I'll miss Matthew and feel sorry the other pro's have been relegated, whilst the Beeb keep on the awful Anton, who can't dance half the dances.

I've never been less excited before the start of a series of Strictly.

Show's change, people move on.

To put it in simple terms, just bloody get over it.

Can't, shan't and won't - simples

The suits at the BBC just panicked and got rid of the completely wrong pros. Erin, Anton and Brendan should have gone.
It takes time for a pro to be accepted by the public . Some do others don't. We have so many new pros now including those from last year who have not yet won over the public.

People are excited now about a new SCD starting but we won't really know whether major mistakes have been made by those in charge till a few weeks have elapsed .