I really enjoyed the show. I don't have a particularly favourite yet. It's fun to watch it just for the entertainment without worrying about whether a certain couple get a good enough score. I also don't look at the spoiler thread so the result today will be a surprise.

I used my online free votes on three different couples I'd like to see again. There are still some poor dancers (Judy, Scott, Tim to name 3) but they'll go in the next few weeks, as they usually do.

I thought there were some lovely dances as well. I thought Sunetra and Brendan looked lovely and who doesn't like a Astaire/Rodgers classic song. Watched bits of the Gay Divorcee and Top Hat on BBC 2 yesterday afternoon.

Scoring was a bit random (especially Donny Osmond) but I'm not bothered by that. I like the Tess/Claudia presenting team. I love Claudia's wackiness. Tess is a bit boring and mostly seems to tell couples how great they were (whether it is true or not). I think Brucie had more personality but he did make me cringe at times.

I wonder if Donny is going to sing in the results show? I wasn't a fan of the Osmonds in my youth; I was always more interested in the Jackson Five.

Have been away since mid September and have only seen the pairings, therefore not really getting into it yet. Been keeping up here a bit and on FB., But Reading all that has been said about last nights show don't think I have missed much. Return home this week and hopefully catch up sometime.
Apart from Artem not at all interested in DWTS. Too frantic a show, hope SCD doesn't go the same way.

Agree. Completely .. Meet with three friends who have been SCD viewers for forever Two have decided "adios " this year because ..is there a yawn smilie . ? The other one has decided not to watch till well on because quote ..."they are just making fun of people "
Think I've picked out the last five contenders already and for me it has run its course but as someone else said .what else is there to watch on a Saturday. : Haven't watched ITT at all and would rather take a quick peek at the spoilers than view the Sunday show .
However my disenchantment especially last night could be because my right leg has suddenly "gone "and I'm just feeling grumpy
Please , tell me what was Donnie all about last night ? Plus who thought up Kristna's shirt However I laughed till i cried at Karen and Mark .was I meant too .? All in all it was enough to drive me to drink :but it could just have been my leg D:

Their song was from Top Gun. In this film, Kelly McGillis, the female lead, wears a mans shirt (Tom Cruise's) at one stage. So, it was part of the Top Gun concept. It would probably have been better if it had been removed during the dance (as was part of her partner's costume). Perhaps Kristina's scantily clad body was too much of a distraction for Simon

Thanks for that ..it was totally lost on me .Maybe it was me having an off night and not the show.

Unfortunately, I haven't had time to read everyone else's responses but I'll post mine now and come back later to catch up (busy day today but I want to know what everyone thought ).

Got to say I’m not 100% into the show yet. I haven’t managed to watch ITT either, but I’m sure I’ll get in the bubble in the next couple of weeks.

Well, revelation of the week - I never thought I’d have a use for Fast Forward after Brucie left but then along comes Donny - who knew!

Alison and Aljaz - I like Alison but this was just okay.

Steve and Ola - better than last week...er, better than last week. He’s a nice guy and the theme suited him. Fun.

Jenny and Tristan - Oh dear. She looked pretty.

Simon and Kristina - Kristina is al woman ain’t she, I was mesmerisdled by her. I think Simon was doing something during the song too.

Jenny and Anton - Oh double dear. You can see her trying, she just can’t - bless her.

Tim and Natalie - er, I just don’t know what to think. It wasn’t horrible but it sort of was too.

Caroline and Pasta - I really like ‘em. A wickle bit of stiffness but lovely lines and great commitment. Pasta dances very well with his partners doesn’t he.

Scott and Joanne - words. fail. me. On all levels. words. fail. me.

Frankie and Kevin - lovely effort. She could have had more sensuous Latin attack (but I’m comparing her to Rita Moreno, so it’s unfair). Great job, I like them a lot.

Jake and Janette - I know what Len meant but this waltz suited the theme. I think he’s really good and I love Janette.

Pixie and Trent - very nice, but didn’t quite lift my spirits and I’m not sure why. I don’t if the choreo let it down.

Tom and Iveta - He did look perfect but a little bit of a mess. Bless him. I’m starting to get that patronising feeling of ‘aw bless’ when you see a kid having a go at something and not really being all that good.

Sunetra and Brendon - I do love her, I’m rooting for her. She has class and THE most gorgeous arms. I just can’t help smiling when I watch her.

Mark and Karen - Bizarro (suitably) . God loves a trier and this was a theme/dance style nightmare. He did the best he could.

I think if Caroline and Frankie master that lovely dancer’s curved back they’ll be perfection.

Hate the ‘funny’ VTs, just can’t stand them.

Hi Nooney great to 'hear' your thoughts. I apologise for the downbeat post last night. I was just so disappointed with the show as was the OH. I've never watched so many routines behind my fingers before! Here's my take on the couples without watching them again today:

Alison and Aljaz She was never going to be great with the Jive was she. I'm sure she's wearing flat type shoes because of the strain on her leg joints. It was ok, but you could tell she was struggling with it. Still liking her and their partnership.

Steve and Ola He was surprisingly light on his feet and really got into it. Much much better than last weeks planky Cha Cha.

Jenny and Tristam Just meh as far as I remember.

Simon and Kristina I'm struggling to remember the routine as I type this, oh yes, a rumba. A bit clunky. I think his arms weren't too bad, but not very smooth otherwise.

Judy and Anton Moving swiftly on........

Tim and Natalie Just awful...............sigh........

Caroline and Pasha I was looking forward to this, but actually really didn't like it. It was one of those quite aggressive Rumbas that do nothing for me. It had no finesse imo. Big shame!

Scott and Joanne Sigh..........I actually had to get up and leave the room. Blast the bliddy producers that shoe horn this sort of rubbish in!

Frankie and Kevin It was ok, but I didn't think it was THAT good. I think she tried to get into character but unlike Darcy, I don't think she did get the shaping that well.

Jake and Janette I was in two minds about this dance. It was kind of moody which I liked, but it bordered almost on being a bit boring if that makes sense. I do really like them as a partnership and am glad to see Janette getting a chance to show what she's got choreography wise.

Pixie and Trent I found myself again, liking the actual dance with still not particuarly taking to Pixie. She was a bit more animated tonight which is good.

Thom and Iveta I actually enjoyed the routine and thought he was a lot more animated. Hopefully this will continue in future dances.

Sunetra and Brendan My dance of the night. Great music, great dress and great dancing. She's definitely a dark horse and I hope she has or is getting a good fanbase for later in the show when it gets down to the nitty gritty. I'd like to see her in the final.

Mark and Karen Seriously, how can you possibly showcase a paso to that! I loved that he got into it, but it was just a mess imo.

So, I'm hoping there will be an improvement in song choices for next week. I will have all my digits crossed for that.

I am finding it awfully hard to summon up the interest in this year's show. Last night I was looking at my watch thinking, 'oh well, only another 30 minutes of this...', which is not quite the right attitude. It would be so good if the producers would ditch the comedy intros, which are to comedy what boiled cabbage is to fine dining, and show proper training footage so that we can compare the progress the dancers have made during the week with their show performance.

Please ditch the 5 judges concept featuring an import from US who knows nothing about ballroom. It just made the already over long show feel even slower. Wish someone could bottle up some confidence mixture and give it to Tess. She needs to bring her own personality to the show and at present I'm not seeing it. Claudia sticking popcorn down her dress cannot have helped.

The dance I enjoyed most was Sunetra's and Brendan's American smooth. It had old style glamour and she carried it off with aplomb. I have yet to see a rumba, however, that even comes a quarter of the way close to the magical rumba of Kara and Artem. They were in a class of their own.

I do hope that Judy, or, Jenny or Tim will leave tonight as I cannot stand the embarrassment much longer.

Sorry to be so grumpy. I blame the weather.

Hi all. Had similar response to several others last night. Felt very up and down about it. I actually enjoyed the opening routine and thought the beeb had done a good saturday entertainment job. It then didn't really carry through. The running order didn't help with a lot of crap dancing bunched together. Like Wrenny I enjoyed Brendon's and sunetra's dance the most and though I struggle with Kevin, I am liking the partnership with Frankie.
I was pleased that Thom seemed a bit more into the dance, but I feel constantly on edge when he opens his mouth. I want him to be but he just isn't. The explanation of why he had his mouth open showed up how much he missed the mark.
Like others I was zoning out in the crap dances including Marks ( though hearing judges comments I may have to watch again)
I enjoyed Jake's walz but would quite like him to be given a softer routine for once.
I really want to like Claudia and Tess as presenters. I like them together and loved it when the popcorn nestled itself in Tess's cleavage. I thought she retrieved it brilliantly. I hope that wasn't rehearsed
Alone Tess needs to be a bit quicker on her feet and find more repartee.
Claudia is funny but I got a bit bored with the constant word search that was going on between dances.

.... and again like Nooney slightly warming to PIxie.

Liking Caroline as 'praps my favourite so far - but then I do love a nicely done Tango.
[/quote]

I think so far Sunetra, Jake and Caroline are my favourites with Frankie and Alison/Aljaz likeble too. Slightly warmer about Pixie but not totally drawn to her yet and quite prepared to be swayed by anyone at this stage.


Got to a agree. Why do all the Beeb producers have the taste and intellect of desperate tweens. Why do we always have to dilute a (Brit) show to mimic a US format. Sigh. Loath the theme and music choices as mainly it just hobbles the Pros and doesn't inspire the Celebs. B*st*rds!


I can see exactly where you're coming from Wrenster, all your comments makes sense. I find the musical choices risible and really lacking in imagination. It's a blimin' shame really.


Not so much up and down for me Clarty but more fastforwardy-watchy-fastforwardy. I'm hoping when a lot of the chaff gets sorted the show will click into place a bit more.

You've hit the nail on the head about Tess, she just isn't quick enough to be good a repartee.

Oh well, let's dust ourselves off and start all over again...and hope one of the no hopers goes tonight.

Overall I thought last night's show was pants and whoever thought Donnie Osmond would make a good guest judge should be shot! He also needs a new haircut or a new wig, one or the other.

Production is ruining this show. Leave the pro's to do their job without foisting ridiculous music choices and childish costumes on them. It's a shame because the good dancers are already REALLY good and the midling ones look like they'll work hard to improve but I was bored watching last night

I think so far Sunetra, Jake and Caroline are my favourites with Frankie and Alison/Aljaz likeble too. Slightly warmer about Pixie but not totally drawn to her yet and quite prepared to be swayed by anyone at this stage.
Got to a agree. Why do all the Beeb producers have the taste and intellect of desperate tweens. Why do we always have to dilute a (Brit) show to mimic a US format. Sigh. Loath the theme and music choices as mainly it just hobbles the Pros and doesn't inspire the Celebs. B*st*rds!:D



I can see exactly where you're coming from Wrenster, all your comments makes sense. I find the musical choices risible and really lacking in imagination. It's a blimin' shame really.



Not so much up and down for me Clarty but more fastforwardy-watchy-fastforwardy. I'm hoping when a lot of the chaff gets sorted the show will click into place a bit more.

You've hit the nail on the head about Tess, she just isn't quick enough to be good a repartee.

Oh well, let's dust ourselves off and start all over again...and hope one of the no hopers goes tonight. [/QUOTE]

##########################################

fastforwardy-watchy-fastforwardy- the beauty of catch-up!

I missed the show last night and watched the two hour show in 15mins thanks to fastforward button. The only dance I watched was Sunetra's and I would watch it again. It was a beautifully choreographed routine which showcased her strengths.

Agree with Wrenny and Noone esp BIB.

Jennifer clearly didn't have a fanbase and so it may also be the case for Simon. The rumba is never the best dance for male celebrities so I hope he benefits from the 'bottom two' bounce next week and gets a quickstep as I want to see him survive a bit longer and certainly longer than the awful Scott, Judy and Tim.

It's a shame we didn't get to know Tristan a bit more, he seems very likeable. Maybe he will do CIN?

O/T finally got to see WarHorse- brilliant!

Some pecs in the Daily Mail

Nice pecs Soupy

Great opening to the Sunday show and I have to add that Donny should only open his mouth in order to sing - he's still got a great voice.

Not surprised by the person who went but I think a couple of others deserved to go first.

Thanks Soupy, is that shadow on Artem's left hand or has someone stepped on his fingers???


I couldn't work out if he was miming or not? As you say, a pretty good voice.

Me neither Nooney. I like Judy but she needs to go next imo and then Tim or Scott. Bit of a shocker for Simon!

Thanks for the pecs soupy
I haven't watched the results yet, seems that Donny might have a purpose after all.
OTT warning

Wrenny thought of you this morning. Have been trying to coax goldfinches into the garden with shop bought seeds. Not one was taken all winter, but this morning a little flock appeared on the dead seed heads on our bank and stayed for ages. shows how important a bit of neglect is.
I then had a magical moment in a local wood. I was enjoying the sound of the babbling brook and gathering chestnuts and a couple of edible mushrooms, when i stumbled across a woodcutter cutting back brush from a tree with golden fruits.
I stopped to chat and was given a beautiful golden quince.
Apart from the fact that he was older than me I could have been in a fairy tale.

Hi guys… long time no ‘see’, I hope you are all well So as some of you know from Facebook, myself and Nicki were lucky enough to go to the show on Saturday and I thought I would pop by to give you a little (*ahem) report.

We were very, very lucky to get Production Guest tickets, so didn’t have to queue in the morning in order to ensure entry… Yes we were those super annoying people who waltz past the queue, I hope you’ll let us off though

We got to the studios at 4:00, and after sheltering from a torrential downpour (literally the heavens opened the minute we got out of the taxi) we got our special yellow wristbands and headed in to the ‘green room’ marquee for a drink and a bit of celeb spotting. Brendan O’Carroll was in the queue in front of us (he was very sweet and was watching the show from there as opposed to the studio as he didn’t want to make Jenny cry), and Denise Van Outen was behind us (didn’t like her before, still not a fan but we did ask her about Kara and the potential show which is still going ahead next year apparently). We had a quick drink, and then were called out to go into the studio around 4:30. I wasn’t expecting amazing seats, but that is definitely what we got! Just to the left of the stairs as you look at the stage – all the dancers had to walk past us from backstage, and on their entry down the stairs (such a shame that Thom came down the other side!!) Anton acknowledged us with an ‘evening’! We were sat next to two lovely girls who worked for Pasha’s agency and promised to introduce us to him later – eeek!

First up was the opening dance to the live show which was pre-recorded – I loved it and was super excited to be informed that they had to do it twice as the first time something went wrong with the tape! My eyes were drawn to Tristan and Kristina – both so gorgeous (even more so in the flesh!) All the pros and judges seemed excited and were waving to the audience etc, Bruno was especially hamming it up!

Next up was Donny Osmond’s performance. I like Donny from his time on DWTS, and I know he’s had a lot of criticism for what I admit was a pretty ropey judging performance, but having him there as the guest judge made the night a little more special for me. Anton and Joanne’s dance to Moon River was exquisite! I know that they both have their detractors but in my opinion when you can dance a ballroom routine like that then you have more than earned your place on the show (I am ballroom girl though!) – it gave me goose bumps and was much better than it came across on the TV last night. I was so disappointed that they got it first time so didn’t have to repeat it!

Then enough time for a quick toilet break (where I ran into Nick Grimshaw from Radio1 – didn’t like him before, like him even less now… Face like a slapped a*se all show, and texting during the dances) before on to the live show. Tess and Claudia, were brilliant. Tess was very warm (caring – not hot lol!) and Claud was hilarious – proper potty mouth!

So the couples...

Alison and Aljaz – I like her personality but she was very heavy footed and not very jive-like for me. I could only really see the back of her so it lost some of the impact for me. The low heels make her seem more stompy as well. Aljaz is brilliant, and a lot smaller and leaner than I expected him to be.

Steve and Ola - I loved this! Ola’s choreography was fab and he really went for it. It was one of my favourite dances of the night.

Jenny and Tristan – I bliddy love Tristan! He is super-duper gorgeous in the flesh with his twinkly eyes, and that lovely accent… I nearly fainted when he gave Jenny a cheeky wink in the middle of their routine. I wasn’t a fan of the routine, but she really looked like she was having a good time so I’m glad she got to have fun for her last week. The only reason I’m really sorry she has gone is that I don’t get to see Tristan next week! She was a lovely lady though, and a lot slighter than wardrobe made her look.

Simon and Kristina – I thought that this dance may have put him in the danger zone. Not good enough to get the votes, not bad enough to get the comedy or sympathy votes. It wasn’t great, but I definitely don’t think that it was deserving of the bottom two.

Judy and Anton – Wow this really was terrible, but I do like Judy and I liked the music and routine.

Tim and Natalie – I love Tim but this was pretty bad. I was chatting to his wife in the toilet after the show (get me lol!) and she said that something had gone wrong with one of the props which had thrown him off. Nat was so shocked that they were saved! Before their routine I could see them practising up in Claud 9 which I thought was sweet.

At this point the warm up guy (LOVE Stuart) came round to tell everyone to ‘buck up’ as the audience had fallen pretty flat. I blame the producers for putting 4 pretty poor routines in a row, but after this the audience really lived up – mostly due to the routines improving.

Caroline and Pasha – I really liked this (still nowhere near as much as K&A’s) but it was a great routine and she danced it really well. Nicki loves her, and as I was sat with 2 Pasha fans as well, I was kind of swept away! We gave it a standing ovation (first of the night I think).

Scott and Joanne – Now I’m biased because I absolutely love Scott but I thought this was brilliant!! Not very good technically obviously, but he got into the spirit of it and he really has improved since the cha cha. His routine was really what the audience needed to lift them, and I do love that he really is trying. He doesn’t want to be the comedy act and I think he is what the show needs… I would rather watch his samba a million times over than Pixie’s nice but dull quickstep but obviously that’s just my opinion!

Frankie and Kevin – This was A-MA-ZING! I loved it! I wasn’t a massive KFG fan, but he really can choreograph a good, crowd-pleasing paso. She is a fab dancer and they make a good pair.

Jake and Janette – I really loved this, and them as a partnership. As they were playing the VT before the dance, they were stood on the steps right in front of us and Janette was really supportive of Jake who she could obviously tell was feeling emotional watching his kids of the screen. I thought their waltz was just right in terms of being a waltz, and getting the Godfather theme. I would like them to win

Pixie and Trent – She danced well, but I don’t like her and the two of them are so dull together (just my opinion – sorry to anyone who likes them!)

Thom and Iveta – I love Thom (for very shallow reasons) but I really liked this from what I could see of it as being a Charleston it was obviously danced to the front of the stage. I spoke to him in the bar afterwards (*swoon) and he was so happy that he got it right and was just happy to be improving.

Sunetra and Brendan – Bliddy LOVED this! I was the one to start the standing ovation haha! It was a proper American Smooth and I loved everything about it.

Mark and Karen – Oh wow! Bless him, he was so excited. The audience loved it, and yes it was a bit cr*p but good on him for just going out there and giving it a go! (I know I sound like Len and I am slightly ashamed!)

And there you have it… I will leave it there for now as you’ve probably had enough of me!! I’ll come back and post some thoughts on the results and my after-show antics soon though

Em x
Last edited by Strictly*Emma : 13-10-2014 at 16:36

Hullo Strictly*Emma, do you mind if I put breadcrumbs down in the Attic Cafe so that more people can come and read your fabby review?

Wow Emma, thank you so much for a fantastic report. How did you and Nikki pull off such great tickets. Can't wait for the next installment.
I agree with you about the producers getting the order wrong. It dampened the night for me watching at home, your info about the warm up man having to come on makes a lot of sense.
Interested in Grimmy being PO faced. I liked him up to now.
I also loved Brendan and Sunetra's routine, they are my faves at the moment.
Claud nine

Not at all Pet, I'm glad you liked it!

No problem, I'm glad you liked it... I waffled on a bit! Oops, sorry about Grimmy (I was trying not to let my prior opinion of him get in the way, but even Nicki said 'what a douche' or words to that effect!! ) He just sat there the whole time, not engaged apart from when he knew he's be on camera after Scott's dance. He didn't applaud or stand up and was constantly looking down at his phone (and didn't come back for the results show)... Not great form!

Strictly*Emma, thank you so much for a FA-BU-LOUS report .
You get an '11' from me.

I would love to be in the audience at SCD. This year when I went to the BBC web site where you could sign up for tickets, the message said that all the shows were already full .

Loving 'Claud 9'. Tess does seem to be very encouraging and sweet to even the worst couples.

*standing ovation* for Emma!! You jammy so-and-so!! Thank you for coming and telling us about it. (And *wolf whistles with knobs on* for the extra gossipy bits )

Interesting to hear Tess comes across as warm off camera. I don't mind her at all, but she doesn't seem to be nearly as natural as bonkers Claud. She's been a bit stilted (nervous?) since she took over the main job

Looking forward to your next installment

Janel's DwtS blog including how things are going in rehearsals for tonight's Burlesque number with Artem. I feel she overplays the 'sexy minx' hand already, so I hope the steamy/sexy nature of the thing (from what she's describing) doesn't alienate the audience. I want people to like Artem!

Oh they will, Soups, they will.


Thanks Strictly*Emma for the report.

I'm really struggling to get into Strictly this year. Too many dancers and way too many very poor dancers. I wonder how much training is really going on now they've stopped telling us on ITT?