New Strictly spin off this spring - announced by the BBC press office:

Five celebrities of African origin are each paired with an African dance troupe for intensive training before performing a traditional African dance.

They will dance to live music while a panel of African dance experts judge their skills and viewers at home vote for their favourites.

As the novice dancers rebuild links with their heritage, viewers learn about the culture in which they are immersed.

The celebrities learn about the significance of their dances' traditional values, as each tribe teaches them steps that have been passed down from generation to generation.

No! I loved Strictly Come Dancing, but I think this is wrong! They are over using this format now and if they do decided to do another series of Strictly Come Dancing, then it won't be eagerly awaited, what with programmes like 'Strictly Ice Dancing', 'Strictly Dance Fever' and now 'Strictly African Dancing', the format won't be unique anymore!
It wouldn't have been so bad if they didn't put the word 'Strictly' in every title, that way it would have been less obvious what the programme was about and people wouldn't distinctly know that it was a product of Strictly Come Dancing

Please tell me you are taking the piss, lol, "Strictly African Dancing," oh my God!

I know, It does seem a rediculous idea! And the fact that they are picking celebrities only with african origion, don't you think that's a bit racist?

April Fool?!!!!! lol

It sounds... different!!

This is mentioned in the TV times- it is a one-off special as part of the BBC African season coming up.

Yes, its part of the BBC Africa season being used to highlight Africa, its people and also, with the press surrounding G8, Make Poverty History, Live 8 etc will highlight the current plight that the majority of Africa is sufferring.

anyone know who's judging it? ie, same as Strictly Come Dancing, or African professional dancers?

I saw the show yesterday. I thought it was really entertaining. The contestants and jugdes were great and Natasha and Martin worked really well together.

Has it started already? what time is it on?

It's come and gone love. It was on yesterday (Sat 9th July) at 6.30pm. It was a one off show.

Who actually won it? I recorded the main programme, but didn't realise that the results programme would clash with other things that I was already recording on Sky+.

I have been keeping my eye on DS in hopes that someone might say.

It was Robbie Ealre.

Thanks for that. I'm glad the right person won.