A reason to stay in on Saturdays

I am unnaturally happy that Strictly is back on our screens and I really enjoyed the two shows this weekend – finally something worth watching on a Saturday night.

I can’t begin the blog without a word about Alesha. The front page coverage in the Red Tops yesterday was way over the top! I thought she did okay for her first weekend. I would give her a c+ - she kept her comments fairly brief and neutral but that was to be expected until she finds her groove.

The level of fuss about her lack of professional knowledge seems over the top to me. Let’s face it - between Len, Bruno and Craig they have got that covered! For me the one gaffe she made was giving her old dance partner a seven when it clearly was not deserved and choosing to save Martina and Matthew in the dance-off.

What I hope she brings to the table is a different dynamic to the judging panel. Arlene clearly knew her stuff, however her delivery was very practiced (you sensed she worked on her lines at home – and even then they didn’t all work) and she was often was shrill in her delivery. I think a little more spontaneity is required and sitting her beside Bruno could work well. The least she deserves is a few weeks to settle in. I think the fans, if not the papers, should give her a break.

And so to the dancing!

I am fascinated by little Chris Hollins – he was an absolute star and he and Ola look like a great team. He has definite rhythm and is oozing personality. I can see this pair featuring for weeks to come. My other favourites from the weekend are Lynda Bellingham and Darren Bennett. I was worried before the dancing began that Lynda would be vulnerable but she was hugely entertaining on the dancefloor and will be around for a while. Darren seems to have an amazing rapport with whoever he is dancing with and Lynda is no exception.

The other person who stood out for me was Ricky Groves who danced with Erin Boag. He was stiff with fear on Friday night for his waltz but was like the energiser bunny by Saturday. He mouth moved almost as much as his legs but he proved he has rhythm so watch this space.

At the other end of the scale poor Kristina – yet again she seems to have been paired with the ‘man least likely to win’. Is she going to be justifying their presence in the competition for weeks to come? The group dance demonstrated that Brendan has a challenge with Jo Wood while Richard Dunwoody is unlikely to be sticking around past September.

A quick mention for Jade Johnson – I wasn’t feeling any chemistry between her and partner Ian Waite. Perhaps she was demonstrating a little too much confidence but at the moment she is the contestant I am the least interested in seeing dance again.

And so to Martina, she probably had another dance in her and by rights it should have been Joe that went but Rav did perform better in the dance-off and I think he has far more potential. It must be strange for someone so used to winning to be voted off first. I am sorry to see Matthew go however.

Next week my money is on Dunwoody or Wood for the boot!

Bree Treacy