The sight of Ann Widdecombe dancing a waltz with a very amused Anton du Beke was worth the price of admission alone on Strictly this weekend and all in all I think it's shaping up to be a really good competition.
I had my doubts about Ann when I read the line-up but she made Saturday night’s show shuffling around the dancefloor without much skill but with great dignity and silencing Craig Revel Horwood with a withering glance saying "if you think that’s bad, you should see the salsa." I am sure her stay will be brief but entertaining none the less.
My first impressions of the two nights is that there are a lot of really good dancers, far more than in recent years, which could make this a very tight competition.
So who’s who
Ann Widdecombe: I predict a short stay but she will undoubtedly be the star of the show unless of course John Sergeant-style she outstays her welcome. She has a good rapport with Anton who is just the man to be paired with her.
Felicity Kendall: She had a really good start and boy does she look great for her age. She herself admitted that she has a hot temper so let’s see if relations sour with Vincent.
Gavin Henson: A man who will gladly embrace the tangoed look of the Latin dancer – he made a great start this weekend and will definitely be around for some time in the competition which may come as bad news for him as his dance partner Katya has apparently banned him from dating for the duration of the show.
Goldie: Not the most elegant of starts for Goldie. He has rhythm but there was a fair bit of dad dancing going on and he will have to crack down if he is to translate that into something worth watching.
Jimi Mistry: This guy’s a good dancer. His performance was very loose in spots but he certainly has the skill and a good partner in Flavia. Watch this space.
Kara Tointon: They are already playing the "are they, aren’t they?" card here which is never a good sign. Enough please just concentrate on the dancing. They were good but let’s not get over-excited. By the way I hated her outfit!
Matt Baker: A bit of a surprise package – at least to us if not to him. Matt can dance and he knows it so watch this space.
Michelle Williams: A case of performance over substance. She is a confident lady but lacking in the basic skills. Clearly walking in time to the music is not a problem for this lady but she has lots of work to do before she becomes a dancer. The ingredients are all that but Brendan has his work cut out.
Pamela Stephenson: A total surprise on Friday night and clearly this woman can dance. However I suspect she will be more suited to the ballroom than the Latin. Please Pam stop getting excited about dancing with James Jordan. It doesn’t need to be said.
Patsy Kensit: I am a major Holby fan but not keen on Faye Byrne. That being said Patsy was one of my favourite performers of the weekend. She does seem to be totally lacking in confidence and I would really like to see her perform better next weekend. You go girl! Any woman who has put up with Liam Gallagher deserves a break.
Paul Daniels: My prediction for the first to leave. Clearly not much of a dancer but also his cheesy one-liners are more than a little annoying.
Peter Shilton: I though he was okay really although apparently the judges didn’t agree. Sorry Pete but I think you fall into the category of here to make up the numbers.
Scott Maslen: Another guy with lots of potential who probably has a long Strictly journey in front of him. I am not warming to Natalie Lowe any more than last year I am afraid.
Tina O'Brien: I am not a fan. She didn't perform up to her own expectations and I suspect she fancies her chances in the competition. Maybe it's a little early to be making judgements so we will see how she does next time.
Roll on next week and the first elimination. My money’s is on Paul doing a disappearing act!
Bree Treacy.
