Strictly 2018

POGS I am like kitty I also cannot remember but it could not have been that different- only now everything is stretched to the limit making it boring for me.

A lot of BBC money is wasted with the couples going to night clubs or even abroad to improve their dancing during the training week.

I love it all except for the daft bits and the pre recorded bits showing the training week. It is so formulaic, if one has a visitor, they all do. If one goes to train with some other kind of thing, like circuses, they all do. Why can’t they see how boring and samey it is? I always record it and zip through to the actual dances.

I really like Claudia Winkleman, but don't like all the staged jokes which make me think of the really laboured jokes Bruce Forsyth used to come away with. I'd also venture that with the money she earns, Claudia could afford to get her fringe cut properly so she doesn't have to blink and peer through it so often.

I, too, do other things during the build ups to the dances. This bit used to be about how the trainingwas going and now it is just silly staged things which insult the intelligence of viewers.

It's still one of the most entertaining programmes of the autumn though.

It starts on September 22nd.

Excellent point oldbatty about seeing people in a completely different setting. It does take away some enjoyment if you have not heard of them.

When does it start properly does anyone know?

kitty

POGS, I read your question and I'm afraid I can't remember - I'm getting old y'know!

I think the wow factor was seeing people in a completely different setting.
A person with a serious persona, changing. Now its either people I have never ,ever heard of or singers just side stepping into dancing.

The girl who is a DJ I think? looked like a professional dancer. Its silly.

God it was boring on Saturday, it's so formulaic, aren't they all when they've been going too long. I've only myself to blame I don't have to watch it, but I suppose it's synonymous with Autumn kicking in and the run up to Christmas. I'm only interested to see those who emerge to be in the running towards the ultimate goal. The chit chat and those daft interludes before the actual dance, it's just all so tired now.

As for whether Eve Pollard would be disappointed to see how her daughter's career has worked out, Ms Winkelman is one of the highest paid female presenters on tv according to the bbc listing published in recent months. Even with the attempts at 'humour'. I expect it's meant to come across as 'madcap'

Genuine question.

I asked earlier , after a small moan about last Saturdays show:

" Was that format always the way Strictly started?"

I can't remember a whole show dedicated to telling the viewer who the contestants were . When Strictly started years ago the celebrities were pretty well known and we didn't need background information as to who they were surely.

I love strictly and gave always watch it in 5 mins delay as I just never enjoyed Bruce and now Tess and Saturday night was just OTT with the Pantomime formla.
Just love love the dancing and getting to watch the improvement or not of the celebs
Welcome back Saturday nights on the sofa

Thanks DR I'm glad it isn't just me that finds the humour dire.

I too thought the 'joke' about the eye patch was very weak. It's a dance program so why we need to see the presenters trying to be funny (and failing) I don't know

Spring chickens

There’s two 57 year olds though

I have only heard of two of them, but recognised the chap from Murder in Paradise, although I don't know his name.

Each year there are fewer and fewer that I recognise, but I suppose if I keep watching I will get to know them.

It is a pity they have no-one over sixty they we grannies might be able to identify with, although we know they'd never win.

I love to watch the dancing but the two female presenters are IMO inane, irritating and very annoying and when I think about the money they are paid to be ditzie (if that is a word) I despair.

I had to switch off last night when the dark haired one had an eye patch on as a weak joke. She has a double first from Cambridge so she is not thick. What a waste of her talent which she must have hidden somewhere. Her mother Eve Pollard must feel her daughter could use her skills better.

Now my rant is over I know many of you will come to their defence and if you enjoy watching them that is fine.

I shall watch in future with the sound off for the chat.

I had heard of about half of them, as per usual. I was quite prepared not to like the young vlogger, but actually thought he came across rather well. I'll be watching out for Katie Piper, Kate Silverton and Danny John Jules. Oh and Graham Swann. Can't really remember any of the others....

It could have been done and dusted in an hour last night- so OTT it was nauseating at times.

I only recognised the fellow from Casualty, Kate Silverton and the ex cricketer. I have never heard of the remainder before.

Because of the youth, I think that the standard will be high.

Gosh. I forgot about Brendan!
That's showbiz I suppose.

I did the same as youPOGS and recorded it. I always do that so I can skip through all the unnecessary bits.

I missed Brendan too Anniebach and Orla and a few other “old” professionals.

I think Theresa Mays tweet was brilliant!!!

I think Katie Piper and the guy from Murder in Paradise looked good.

I just remember the excitement when our friends AC was on strictly and went all the way to win the glitter ball!!

I love Graham Swann and think he has a fabulous personality. He's also tall and good-looking - what's not to like.