I agree about the panel - both series in the UK were hampered by the judging, with both Arlene Phillips and Cisco Gomez hamming it up and Louise Redknapp being bland. The second series in the UK was much better than the first, with an emphasis on good choreography and some good dancing - the first series felt more like an end-of-the-pier variety show. A lot of the contemporary dancing on the US show is well worth watching on you-tube.

I'll let you all know what BIG was like when I'm back from Plymouth - like fridgesoup, I'm not a great musical theatre fan, so if I like it you'll know it's good!

Oh, Lindy, I stepped away for a little while, and missed your post. Drat! Anyway, so pleased that your knee is improving. Even more pleased to see you back on the thread, even if it was only a quick step-in. Hope you'll pop in again to chat to us again, soon. What can we do to tempt you out of lurkdom? (asks she, with a goodie-less IT-skills cupboard - but the thought was there).

I, too, am loving all the interviews, tweets and pics - thanks to all providers. I'm getting quite excited for BIG's big day on Saturday, in Plymouth and then on to Dublin, and I'm not even going to either of them. Pinning all my hopes on the West End. Let's all hope that the reviews are brilliant, to ensure a smooth and sure passage - straight to London: with a lengthy run to follow. Best Wishes to Jay, and all the cast of BIG. We'll be thinking of you, and wishing you every success. You've all earned it.

ETA. And hello, janetshep. Lovely to see you back as well. Just in time for the BIG build-up.

Aliona's just tweeted that she's expecting!

I am so glad about this and hope everything goes well for them.

Here is Ali's tweet making the announcement:
https://twitter.com/alionavilani/sta...24336231399424

Delighted for them both.
Thanks Ahouch

Good morning!



What lovely news!

So pleased for them.

OMGG I'm actually tearing up I'm so happy for both of them, she's going to be an amazing mum I just know it

Awwwww that's such lovely news. So happy for her and Vin.

I'm also teary eyed reading it. 😊

Congratulations to both Aliona and Vincent on their wonderful news.
They must be overjoyed
❤

Lovely news about Aliona and Vincent

That is really good news. She said months ago that they wanted to start a family and now their wish is going to come true.

Congratulations to Ali and Vin on your wonderful news. 👶💕

Congrats to Ali and Vin. Girl doesn't mess about!

Ditto yes so pleased for all of them, Aliona Vin, and j looks like everything has worked out for them all, and they have so much to look forward to. In different ways.

Me too - congratulations

Ali's news makes me wonder whether She and vin told Jay the other day when he and Diana appeared on Irish tv. He did mention people going off and making babies twice in the matter of minutes - I wonder if their news was at the forefront of his mind even if he was talking about it in relation to something else!

Yes, Diana looked a bit surprised, but you're probably right - his delight took over!

I wonder if she'll dance in Edinburgh now?

So happy for Aliona and Vincent- lovely news to wake up to ☺️

I wondered that too. He did say it twice, Diana commented. I think Aliona will still be OK to dance at Edinburgh. Her body is so used to intense exercise and the advice is that pregnant mums can carry on doing their " normal " exercise, but not to add or increase exercise. Do worry about the Zika thing in Florida though

Great news for A&V congratulations.

Hi Defer.
I think according to the news,the virus it is only affecting certain parts of Florida, and I'm sure A& V will have followed government guidelines, for tests etc, still concerning though.

Congratulations Aliona and Vincent brilliant news.

Can't wait for Edinburgh

I'll echo that - lovely to see you Lindy and Janetshep!

Great rhyming last night, Rafferty and Korky! Bit of a sludgy head here. Can't hear myself think this morning for the sound of knitting needles!

Deleted - senior moment.

Yes - they will be wonderful parents.

Having made the decision to part with her professional dancing career, it would leave a big space in Aliona's life, and what better to fill it with than motherhood! I'm very happy for them both.

I wish them and their family health and happiness.