Back with a bang!

Spoiler: Strictly is back, with bells on. The opening show brought us some great numbers, surprises and partnerships that show we're in for pretty exciting series this year.

Since it's the start of the series, we also had to have a theatrical group number, but I didn't connect with this one too much. These were the literal notes I took: 'Gorka being whimsical near a bench. Karen flying. Something with a bike', so I hope that's enough to jog your memory. We also had Tess in a rather nice red number and Claudia in Colonel Sanders' pyjamas, so business as usual. Now, let's get down to that amazing collection of dances!

 

Tom and Amy

I think the variable that whoever dances first gets to the final is going to stick, Tom's been a favourite to win since he was announced! He must have been nervous though, because he didn't remember to smile until halfway through, he looked quite pensive until the Cuban breaks. It was a good start, a bit tentative and scrappy in places but clear rhythm and he obviously knows how to perform. Plus it looked like an actual cha cha, so that's a good start to things. 

Tilly and Nikita

We always knew Tom would be vaguely competent, but Tilly (and Nikita) was an unknown quantity. This was better than I was expecting actually, nicely graceful and good in hold. As ever, I could have done with more hold, but there were attempts at rise and fall too. Certainly passable for week 1 and will definitely help build some confidence going into the next show, it'll be interesting to see where they take it next. 

Ugo and Oti

Can Oti do the treble? She didn't make it easy with a week 1 samba, plus props and the health and safety nightmare that is fire. It was fun, but lacked any real polish - but I'm probably being a bit harsh for week 1 there. Ugo did at least give good shimmy! Samba school with Oti was also fun, I don't think I've heard volta said so many times on the show! 

Rhys and Nancy

Another new pro on the floor, can't wait to see what Nancy has in store for us over the series. I was a bit worried the ever-bouncing-oodles-of-energy Rhys got the VW for his first dance, but this was my favourite dance so far. The outfits, the song, the routine all came together as one lovely piece. I can see why Nancy broke the hold a few times, but the stuff in hold was good and the transitions between the two were pretty impressive. Bring on next week!

Sara and Aljaz

Our first job-themed number of the series, they've thankfully reined those in recently, but it was actually really fun and added some cha cha cheekiness. Sara and Aljaz's partnership is clearly going to be their strength, so I think she's going to be great at ballroom stuff in hold. Like the judges said, she was a bit reserved, but there are clearly vast reserves of camp waiting in the wings!

Dan and Nadiya

This surprised me too! I was expecting Dan to be dad-dancer supremo, but that was neutralised by the quickstep. I was worried that his massive long legs would get in a tangle like a whisk in a kitchen drawer, but he actually managed to execute some pretty frantic footwork. Minimal gapping too and jumping over furniture like he does this every week. Maybe a tad overmarked and we still have party latin looming over us, but it appears he's not without talent and willing to work very hard. 

Rose and Giovanni

Loving Rose's unicorn car wash dress, a Strictly classic right there. A jive is hard week 1, but I do wonder if she found the strong rhythm of it helpful, even if she did admit she didn't like the dance that much. This was perky and just what you want to see from an early jive, plus I liked the 60s shimmy bits Giovanni put in there. Also, a jive is mostly about the feet, but Rose looks like she's got some pretty good arms too.

Katie and Gorka

I didn't think Katie would get something as dramatic as a tango as early on as this, but hurrah that she did because she was properly smouldering in this number. Longstanding readers of this blog will also know that I have hated about 90% of tango song choices in recent years, but this was a great choice and allowed them to actually have some intensity. She did seem a bit nervous at the start, but got into it and became sharper and neater in her footwork as it went on. Another one to watch! 

Robert and Dianne

I take my spangly hat off to Dianne for putting together the perfect routine for Rob. It was camp and gave him something to have fun with, but also stopped any attempted to go full comedy. Plus basing it on an actual dancing competition was rather meta but made it look like an actual cha cha! It was a bit rough around the edges, but Rob's got the tools he needs to learn, so hopefully he'll get some weeks to work on it.

 

Greg and Karen

Greg has felt like the most fish-out-of-water person so far, but giving him an old-Hollywood number plus top hat and tails was a nice turn. It was probably more style than substance, but it's only week 1 and you might as well go with a crowd-pleaser. I think he's going to need to work on his posture, plus we've not had any exposure to hips or rhythm next, but I'm very interested in what's to come. 

Nina and Neil

A week 1 samba should be terrifying, but Nina really attacked that number. As with a lot of people, it was fairly rough around the edges, she needs to work on her transitions for example, but there was bounce and a dirty samba roll and that's what we're all after. I love to see someone being really fearless on the dancefloor this early on, do we have a dark horse here? 

John/Dante and Johannes

We all knew this was going to be good, but the two of them really rose to the occasion with an amazing routine performed with so much power. You could see how much work had gone into it over the past couple of weeks, Johannes really didn't skimp on the choreography. The only thing that I didn't like was the matte black suits, too dark and made it hard to distinguish them at times, they could have done with some blue sparkles! But who really cares, I can't wait for next week!

Judi and Graziano

These two are a wonderful pair together, the party latin is going to be a real treat from them. Also props to Judi for looking like an absolute movie star. I don't want to sound like a kiljoy, but it didn't feel like ballroom, it felt like a Couple's Choice musical theatre routine. I know it's week 1, but I could have done with more content. Hopefully there's more to come...

AJ and Kai

I'd been really looking forward to this one, and not just to see what shade of spangletastic AJ's frock would be, but this blew me away! The speed at which she did that early kick section and kept pace throughout the dance, all while selling it for all it was worth. There was even an incredibly sassy chicken walk. Was Kai there? I barely noticed, but that's probably a sign of him doing a great job. More please!

Adam and Peaty

There was so much pressure and expectation on Adam as probably the most high-profile signing, but it didn't seem to phase him at all. Those hips! The legacy of Kelvin Fletcher lives on. Katya was clearly able to drill him during training and it certainly paid off, it wasn't perfect, but it was much more fluid and technically accomplished than I think we were expecting. Also, shout-out to Katya's bondage gear and manga ponytail, may she bring us all the weird and wonderful stuff once again this year.

 

The Winning Forumla - Version 13!

Unlucky for some? It's my thirteenth attempt to use *science* to predict who is going to win Strictly this year. Last year the Winning Formula managed to predict two out of four finalists, which I'm quite proud of, and still maintain Nicola had final potential. Much like 2020, it's a topsy-turvy world, but we can always rely on the show to bring us some sort of consistency....or can we? 

1) Get the party started

Every year I wait with baited breath to see who is going to dance first on the opening show and almost guarantee a spot in the final, and who comes out first in 2020 but little Jame Biscuits. Doing a rather wooden cha cha. In tight white pants. To the Icelandic Eurovision entry. I thought we were done for, ready to throw this long-loved variable in the sparkly Strictly bin. But no, 2020 threw us yet another curveball and Jamie and Karen slogged their way to the final with spangles and a smile. No, he was never going to win, but by golly he got to that final and proved me right once again. I always liked that lad....Keep your eyes peeled for whoever is out on that floor first!

2) Quit your day job

Yes, it's hard to win Strictly whilst doing another job, but in 2020 most of the celebs had their day jobs on hold anyway! Bill practically admitted he was doing Strictly because his tour had been cancelled, which gave him more than enough time to train whilst having a massive lark with Oti. It feels like history is repeating this year, with only a few celebs doing something else at the same time as the show. However, I do imagine Eastenders will provide Frankie with a massive storyline to keep Rose working like a loon, because they do it every single year! Plus we have Tom on tour with McFly this year taking Amy along for the ride, hopefully it won't be too rock n roll considering how many kids they have these days. Also keep an eye on Dan Walker, those BBC newsreaders somehow manage to pull off working and learning to tango around the clock...

3) Blondes don't have more fun

We're still in the rather odd situation that only one blonde has ever won Strictly (Abbey, it was eight years ago, but we remember) and they were almost overtaken by the gingers last year when Maisie made it to the final in fabulous fashion. Yes, Jamie was a blonde finalist, but we all knew, including Jamie, that win was never going to happen. So where do we stand this year? Katie McGlynn was very blonde in Corrie and I still blink with confusion when I now see her as a brunette. Adam Peaty might possibly be a dark blonde, but he also shaves...a lot...for swimming, so it feels like Tom, Tilly and Sara are the ones flying the blonde flag this year. Plus John Whaite has made the rookie error of dying his hair blonde, change it back quick!

4) Latin fever

This variable might be on its last legs, since Anton was the only pro who specialised in ballroom and he's been farmed out to the judging panel. Latin specialist pros have clearly won both the battles and the war, but maybe a 10 dance person like Nadiya could pull it out of the bag like Flavia did all those years ago. Maybe I could just change this variable to 'dance with Oti' instead?!

5) Age is more than a number

I've never been so happy to see a variable disproved. Up until Bill's much-deserved win, the only Strictly winner over 40 was Joe at the age of 42, but then Bill came along and pushed that maximum age up to 55! Is this the start of a new trend? Is Strictly going to be entirely boomer-populated in a few years? Saying that, two out of eighteen series isn't particularly significant, so let's have a look at this year's cohort. Dan Walker is quite a baby-faced 44, Judi just snuck over the line at 41, plus there's Nina, Greg, Rob who might all have a chance at proving the over 40s are on a roll.  

6) Embrace the sparkle!

This is all I will ever need to explain what 'embrace the sparkle' means...

So here is that all-important equation once again, and our predicted finalists for 2021...

Dance first - day job + brunette x latin pro - 42 years old + sparkle = winner!

 

Adam

AJ

Katie

Rhys

Tom

Ugo

As ever, the first dancer on the opening show will be added to the list - in the meantime, let us know what you think and vote in our poll! 

We're in the Mood for Dancing

Hello, Happy 2021, folks! (For the year does not truly start until Strictly Season is upon us.)

I cannot believe how quickly it has come round. One minute we are looking forward to the summer sunshine and in the blink of an eye we're snuggled in front of the TV tweeting our #StrictlySnacks (shout out to the lady last night with a bucket of wine.) 

Whilst last year's Strictly felt like a warm hug in the middle of chaos, this year seems far more normal and I have to confess, it's crept up on me; I'd even forgotten Anton was going to be a judge. Nevertheless, last night's show was a joy and here are some thoughts on the couples...

Robert and Diane 

When I first heard about Robert, I was like YES. HE. CAN. DANCE. But - can he dance seriously? Can he dance when he's not deliberately sending himself up? I'm not so sure. The wee clip of him in the group dance displayed a glimmer of self-consciousness and a man more awkward-of-movement than I expected. The choice Diane might need to make is do they join the race to the top, or join the Race To The Bottom™? If I were her, I'd give it a week or two, test him out, gauge the audience's reaction, then go for whichever is going to create the most joy. If that is the way of Bill Bailey, so be it; if that is the way of Russell Grant, then bring that on too.

Katie and Gorka

In a night full of northerners, here's our first reet proper one. (We'll claim her for Lancashire under the historic County borders.) I have to be honest, whilst her face was familiar to me, not being a big soap-watcher meant I wasn't quite sure who she was. But we've got to have a soap actor or two on the show from time to time. I didn't catch much of her in the group number, which means she didn't stand out either like a shining star, or a sore thumb. And going into Week One with no public expectations can be a powerful position. I'm looking forward to seeing what she can do. 

Rhys and Nancy

Well Rhys is a springy, zingy bundle of energy isn't he? I'm going to call him this year's Tigger. He certainly has some moves, looks to have rhythm...and, crucially, is clearly a natural showman. But can those moves be disciplined into something that resembles ballroom and latin? I have an inkling that they can, but perhaps in a way that keeps his own style, much like le olde Joe Sugg. And so glad that Nancy has a partner this year - their partnership reaction was adorable. 

Sara and Aljaz

Having not watched Dragons' Den for many years, I was still under the impression that Debra Medan was the sole flyer of the female flag on the show, but no. And Sara seems really popular going by the reaction to her taking part in Strictly. Again, I didn't really spot her in the group number so how good she's going to be is still in question. However, on googling her, I am impressed with what she's achieved and slightly put out she is younger than me. Pfft. Aljaz is just a sugary cupcake baked with joy and sprinkles, so we know she will be well looked after. I'm rooting for them because we've never had a winner quite like her, and I'm all for difference. 

Dan and Nadiya

Ah Dan, are you are first true dad dancer of the evening? There was a sweet awkwardness about his appearance in the group dance and he seems like a jolly nice chap. I haven't got all that much else to say however, as I don't think he's going to be a real contender in the competition. But that all could change with some charm and determination. Nadiya had a pretty good run with Davood back in 2017, but not much luck since. I'm going to call an early elimination... (disclaimrr: I'm often very, very wrong.)

Rose and Giovanni

Despite the disadvantage, Rose genuinely stood out in that group number as one to watch. She was graceful (particularly in the arms), bang on point and a natural performer. Her journey is going to be enlightening and we should all learn from it too. Representation and opportunity are so important; dancing is an absolute delight and everyone in the world should be encouraged to share it if they want to. I thought starting with a jive was an incredibly harsh choice, but after seeing them in the group dance I'm just plain excited. A couple to watch.

Adam and Katya

Another stand out performance in the group number. Add that to being coupled with the Queen of Choreography, Katya, and we could have absolute dynamite here. And who doesn't love an Olympian? I suspect they could be very, very popular. Shall we have a bet about how early in the series he dances to that  Spandau Ballet song? (You've got the power to know...)

AJ and Kai

Yaaaas, a proper Lancashire lass. She'll be reet gradely (I have lived in Lancashire my whole life and have literally never heard someone say that seriously). AJ seems warm and likable and full of energy. But Kai, I'm unsure- it's not always a disadvantage to have one of the new pros, but it is an unknown. Is he forgettable? Or could he be a new Kevin? It's incredibly disappointing AJ Pritchard is no longer on the show because I would have just paired them up for jive kicks and giggles. 

Greg and Karen

WILLOUGHBY! Let me not to the marriage of true minds... Wee fact: Shakespeare is not actually in the book of Sense and Sensibility; Marianne's poet of choice in the text is actually a chap called Cowper. But I digress. Mr Thompson is our second somewhat of a dad-dancer of the evening, but I'm pretty sure he has the potential to be polished up. He strikes me as the type who might take to ballroom more than the latin but contestants can surprise us in that respect. I'm expecting some regency costumes. Pride, Prejudice and Zombies for Halloween, anyone?

Judi and Graziano

I'm really excited about these two as well. Judi looked great in the group number, and I think has the potential to shine in the latin. Graziano just hasn't had the chance to show us what he can do after Vick Hope was eliminated way earlier than we all expected. Judi's humour should work in her favour too. I also love that she has a degree in social work. That is such a normal person thing to have and there's nothing I love more than someone close to being a normal everyday person as part of the Strictly cast.

John and Johannes

YES. YES. AND YES AGAIN. Firstly, about time (worth the Whaite...). Secondly, if I had to pick out the standout celeb from the group number, it would be John. Johannes has become one of my all time favourite professionals in the last couple of years and it is just perfect that he is part of the first male-male partnership. But back to the dancing. They were so in sync. It just worked. I am so excited to see these two progress. John is humbly crumbly sweet (see what I did there?) and I do so hope those nerves don't get the better of him. 

Nina and Neil 

Ah, someone ELSE who caught my eye in that group number (perhaps it's true this year and the standard genuinely will be really high). Neil slightly disappointed me somewhat when he was last partnered - but perhaps that wasn't his fault. We'd all been waiting so long and hyping it up, it was potentially always going to go that way. Maybe this is his year. I had heard of Nina. I could even have told you who she was. I also really like her. Fingers crossed! (But not whilst in hold, oh no...)

Tom and Amy

I might not have remembered this quite correctly as we have been going for oh so many years, but I think Frankie's fantasy Strictly playlist jive might have been Five Colours in Her Hair at some point. So yeah, it would be fun if they did that, or maybe for a quickstep. He's going to be compared to Harry Judd. Obviously. But is he in his league? We'll have to wait and see. Super cute that Amy is a proper fan. 

Tilly and Nikita

Who's your dad again, Tilly? But hey no, I jest. She's a social media influencer and has had her own show, so there's nowt wrong with her taking part. She also comes across as incredibly sweet. I always like the young 'uns to do well because I like the idea that they'll encourage other young 'uns to get dancing. 

Ugo and Oti

Now I'm actually convinced that Oti can do most things. But teach Ugo to dance really well? That might be a challenge. He seemed the most wooden of all the dancers yesterday but if anyone can do something about that, Oti can. Actually, I wouldn't be in the slightest bit surprised if they win. This is Oti after all. She is the Queen of Everything.