Yep - that one had me mystified too - I was just anticipating the introduction of Ian, Matthew, Darren or Lilia when Claudia presented that complete unknown who turned out to be a total wet blanket

What is wrong with the BBC ? Do the production staff working on Strictly have to have a lobotomy before signing the contract ?
They make the most insane decisions from choosing Alesha as a judge over the experienced Arlene or Karen to disposing of some of the best, most experienced and popular pros

Personally I also think they have made mistakes with Natalie and Aliona, although they are clearly able to teach their celebs and choreograph the dances they just don't fit in for me - they just don't suit Strictly.
Natalie is too self-absorbed and comes over as arrogant and Aliona I can't quite put my finger on it - the ridiculous colour of her hair irritates me and distracts from her performance, but there is just something else about her I can't quite warm to as well.

I actually get the impression that the current producers of SCD are not actual fans of the programme and that is what is at the heart of these strange decisions and appointments.

I was never Darren's biggest fan. Always liked him, just not as much as some of the others. But didn't ITT just light up when he talked about the training last week? His enthusiasm and love of dance (as opposed to love of self) just shone through.

That reminds me, I miss Ian's red trousers as well

Well y'all need miss him no more, at least for a while, because word is that Ian is to stand in for Brendan, who is flying to NZ to attend his father's funeral.

So expect him and Michelle on ITT next Tuesday, the traditional slot for the almost departed.

OMG - I hope this is true!!!!!!!!!!!

Then the BEEB will see what a mistake they made keeping Brendan over Ian. I've said all along that Ian would have had Michelle's lanky limbs under control by now!!

Horrible circumstances... but I will be glad to see Ian!

i like that idea. Can they bring back Matt Cutler as well.

It's a shame that it's in such sad circumstances but I will be happy to see Ian back next week, particularly doing a tango.

I'm afraid it will take a miracle for him to get a decent dance out of Michelle though.

Thanks a bunch TD. Some of us don't read the spoiler thread you know.

No sympathy for Brendan then, no words of condolance for his loss of his father?

Ian Waite is returning to be partnered with Michelle Williams.

Brendon is going to New Zealand to be with his family following his fathers death.

condolences for Brendan and his family

but yeah Ian's back!!!!

I'm amazed at the insensitivity of this post!
I like Ian and welcome him back. But I wish it were not under these circumstances

I admire Ian as a dancer and as a lovely warm person and am sure that he would be horrified by some of the sentiments expressed today. Am also sure that he would rather be in the dance troupe than dancing with Michelle under these particular circumstances.

I don't miss him - always danced with his mouth openI

My thoughts are with Brendan and his family.

I really miss Ian, loved him on ITT and Lilia was priceless on ITT last years dance machine "what do mean zero". Some of the new dancers have no personality.

Not a Brendan fan but have total respect for how he coped last night. My condolenses to him and his family.


Why read any of the forums, as spoliers are all over them (not just this one). Even the dancers tweet spoilers.


What, so you have never heard of the emotion of the dance

I know that Ian will do Michelle and Brendan proud. Looking forward to seeing his smile and sparkle back, albeit for a week!

I'm sorry if my post came across as insensitive but can I just add that I had already passed on my condolences to both Brendan and Zoe on twitter.

I didn't realise I had to repeat those sentiments every time I posted. My apologies

Ian is back where he belongs. On Strictly and on Claudia's sofa. You could tell she was glad to have him back.
And Michelle looks so much more relaxed and happy with Ian IMO

I miss Ian, Matthew, Darren and Lilia.

I shall miss Brendan on Saturday. My condolences to him and his family on their bereavement.

I'll be in too

Everyone misses Ian.

We don't have to miss Ian tonight!

Can't waite. Looks like they are doing a brilliant Tango. Hope Brendan is proud of them!

Really excited to be seeing Ian dance competitively again tonight ....you never know my voting finger my must have to come out of retirement ....lol