Just think how boring it would be if everybody who enters Strictly as a contestant has no idea how to dance at all. Ed Balls said yesterday that he thinks it 'should be' about those who can't dance learning to dance.
Well, yes, maybe so. But he does have a new book out, so probably won't mind the extra visibility. And he did dabble in a bit of ballroom at university, so not a complete novice himself.
If last year proves anything, it's the point that it's not just about being able to do the steps in something approaching the right order, or whether you attended dance lessons in the past. It's about talent, musicality, artistic interpretation, building relationships, working as a team and how the contestants learn to cope when they're way out of their comfort zone in the limelight every week, baring their souls in front of judges of varying credibility. We'll laugh at some, cringe at others, lose our tempers at the judging, be astounded by unexpected talent and artistry - there's something in there for everybody.
I don't know who will win this year, and I haven't yet seen anyone that really catches my imagination like last year, but I do know that I do watch Strictly because I love dancing, and that enjoyment is vastly enhanced by seeing someone with exceptional talent doing it really well. Others may watch for different reasons, but that's mine.
I don't think TPTB worry too much about whether or not people have 'previous' or not, they'll be looking for a variety of abilities and everybody brings something to the show.