Anton du Beke to join ^Strictly^ judges.

I think he will be brilliant. I see Bruno regularly when he is in the UK - he shops at the Sainsbury's as I do...he never seems to get less ornage, regardless of the time of year.

Very odd.

We record the show and fast forward through the bits we don't enjoy, mainly Tess & Claudia as I really find them both irritating, the same as Bruno with all his posturing. I don't think Anton did too badly as a stand in judge and think he will probably be more critical & constructive with his comments if he is there for the whole season.

I loved it.

But each to their own, of course. I just don't understand why people get so worked up about same sex couples. Well, I have an inkling.....

Alegrias1

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake?

Not for me, too contemporary.

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake?

Male/male, female/female partnering seems a bit forced to me. I prefer clearly defined roles in dance like in ballet where the female is on pointes and the male in flat shoes. The movements feel more organic and romantic.

Oh, I love this topic, really.

Lets talk about Argentine Tango. All that sultry posing about and throwing women in the air? Argentine tango was famously danced in the milongas by same-sex male couples showing off their moves to impress the ladies, or to fill time until the ladies arrived. The stylised dances of all styles that we see on Strictly have evolved from much baser versions of the dances and the male/female idea is just what we have got used to.

Seeing the all female couple dance last year made my heart soar, really. And when the two men danced together the year before, it was one of those never-forget moments.

LauraNorder The dance in both cases is more about physicality. Just think it works better with a male and a female partnership.

I agree. There are certain moves that are hard to do with same sex couples. One man cannot swing another man above his head, etc. unless the man to be swung/lifted is of slight build. Ditto women.

Nankate I so agree. Can’t stand their stupid attempts to be funny. Not keen on the female judges either. I like to record it and only watch the dancing.

I wonder who'll partner any more mature person who is in it this year.

I thought he was trying too hard to be like Len but definitely didn’t manage to pull it off.

can do, obviously. Sorry.

Dance is about exploring what you can so with your body. Here's a picture of male flamenco dancer Manuel Liñán in a bata de cola skirt and manton.

Hope nobody's head explodes.

I have just read and re-read your post several times LN- and it just does not make sense, sorry. If the sexuality of the pair is irrelevant how can it at the same time ...?

Don’t see the point of same sex couples in Strictly or Dancing on Ice. The sexuality of the pair is irrelevant. The dance in both cases is more about physicality. Just think it works better with a male and a female partnership.

Great to see Anton make the transition from dancer to judge, a well deserved reward for 18 years of partnering some of the more interesting ladies, some formidable ladies and some of the worst dancers. First step towards him getting his own show.

I agree with most that he would have been a fabulous presenter to follow in Bruce’s dancing shoes. Similar style and humour.
I’m not a fan of Tess Daly but quite like Claudia.
I’d love to see Arlene Philips return and join Craig, Darcy and Shirley. However if Anton isn’t presenting then Craig, Arlene, Shirley and Anton to judge and perhaps a good all round showman to present, someone like Brian Conley.

Polnan, the book isn`t totally about Christmas, the story starts in April of that year.

I always wanted him to replace Bruce as the presenter but he’ll be a great judge. Was always unfair the partners he was given!

I'll miss him on the dance floor. Lovely dancer and always has a fun partner. Will make an excellent judge though.

All the political correctness shenanigans? I'm going to guess you mean a couple made up of 2 women?

Is PC gone mad, I tell you!

And Anton got to the final twice.

Anyway, I liked him as a judge, he was nice to people but marked them fairly I thought.

I love Anton and felt he always got lumbered with the person with 2 left feet.I am glad he is going to be a judge did not watch the last series as l did not like all the political correctness shenanigans. Doubt l will watch this series either.l think its had its day!

I am pleased for him - he has had a raw deal so far.

Yes I’d love him to present the show. Possibly alongside Claudia who I love. Can’t stand Tess Daly. But I know he’s a bit marmite, as many people can’t stand him as love him.

I think he was minding his p's and q's when he was, briefly, judging last year. This time he can, hopefully, be more honest about the celebrities.....and funny too I expect