2nd Strictly Come Dancing 2023 thread

Really enjoyed Strictly. First time i have watched in years due to participation of Angela Rippon who i owe a lot to. In the early to mid 70's she released a fitness tape called 'Dance & Slim' (which I changed to a disk, and now I use from desk top) It has contributed greatly to staying flexible and in shape with regular weekly sessions over the years ( my 3 children even know the music and moves) and i have just recently had my 72nd Birthday Thank you Angela x

The lifts honeyrose are often used in dance to give extra height. If you think of ballet, there are often lifts in the pas de deux routines. They rely on trust between the two dancers, and it is often harder for the one being lifted than the lifter. That's why Ellie faltered.
I think in some Strictly routines they try to pack too many lifts into the 90 second dance and the sequence starts to lose some of the fluidity - unless perfectly executed from one move to the next.

I agree with some of what Dame Esther says, but NOT that Layton purposely "hogged the limelight." That implies that he drew the focus of attention to himself and monopolised the show. None of the other contestants, nor celebrities for that matter, had a bad word to say about him. In fact, Layton was generously messaging other competitors (AngelaS and Zara) with advice and support early on. Layton was not trying to prevent anyone else from getting attention, an example was his jumping for joy when Ellie won. He also remained in his place during the backstage chats unlike that awful Jayde someone (?) a couple of years ago, who always pushed herself forward with Claudia and wanted to be heard all the time.
I agree that Layton probably shouldn't have been included in the show, it was unfair, but ironically it is all this additional discussion about his participation that is to blame for making him look as though he were stealing the limelight, not his behaviour.

A brilliant series this year. I was beginning to think, before this series, that it was getting a bit predictable and tired, but I’ve really loved this series. Personally, I could do without the lifts in many of the dances though. Traditionally, dances didn’t have lifts in them and I’d rather they concentrated on the actual dancing. Many of the lifts look awkward and highly dangerous. Are they really needed? The dances are exciting enough. I’m sure many if you will disagree with me on this!

Would Annabelle have been in the final? I think yes

So do I agree with Dame Esther.
Not sure anyone denies Layton is a good dancer, just that he was a professional in an amateur competition.
If it had been public vote only from the start I wonder how long he’d have been in the competition.

Anniebach

I agree with Dame Esther

So do I.

I agree with Dame Esther

I was glad that Leyton didn't win. He is an utterly amazing dancer and deserved his high scores from the judges, but that is not at all surprising since he has been a professional dancer ever since he starred in the title role as "Billy Elliot" when he was twelve.

Strictly Come Dancing is supposed to show what those who have never danced before can learn dancing with a professional.

I agree with Esther Rantzen that no-one under the age of fifty who has ever danced on the professional stage should be allowed to compete.

www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/strictly-layton-williams-esther-rantzen-b2465279.html

There was a comment about Bobby going to Hollywood. I wonder what that was all about.

There have been rumours online but he seems a young and naive young man and I think he might be eaten alive in Hollywood. I think he can have a wonderful career in the UK with his family as support around him.

Any of the three finalists could have won. What an amazing final. I think it was good that Ellie won, but I did love Leyton and Bobby too. This year has been a particularly good series .
There was a comment about Bobby going to Hollywood. I wonder what that was all about.

I’m really pleased Leyton was included, because he was amazing to watch, and I grew to like him a lot.
I’m glad he didn’t win though, but was very happy to see him in the final, Ellie was the right choice.

I divided my votes between Ellie & Bobby till Ellie's final lift which I did not feel was quite up to standard and therefore gave my last two votes to Bobby. They were of course all excellent in the final and I was happy with the result. Thank you Sparklefizz for an enjoyable thread, I have enjoyed reading the various (mainly non grouchy) comments.

I'm really glad Ellie won. She possibly wouldn't have been the judge's choice, but she was excellent. All three dances were outstanding, including the slightly dubious lift in her show dance. Layton dances superbly,as always, but his show dance could have been a solo. There was hardly any hold at all. Bobby is sweet but I didn't think he was on a par with the other two. I don't think they should allow couples choice in the final. Thank you Sparklefizz for the thread.

So glad that Ellie WON!!
I too have wanted her to win since week one
WELL DONE ELLIE AND VITO!!!!!!!

I didn’t start watching the show till 9pm and avoided the internet and text messages for the duration of the show in case of spoilers.

Great show with wonderful performances from all 3 couples but Ellie has been my winner from week 1. I’m delighted she won 👏👏

Thank you for the thread Sparklefizz!

It was a wonderful final show with some fabulous dances, I would have been happy for any of the three finalists to win. It looks as if Bobby has a wonderful future ahead of him and I’m sure Ellie will have some great opportunities too.

I was pleased Ellie won because I've enjoyed all her dances, but I though Layton and Nikita's quickstep was wonderful.

Super series, and such great dancers.
Thank you Sparklefizz for the thread again.

This has been a lovely thread, I would have liked Leyton to win, but I am really pleased for Ellie and Vito.

Thank You for this lovely thread Sparklefizz and everyone, I have enjoyed joining in each weekend 💐

Probably the best final. Apprently the youngest final all under 30.
All three completely awesome,they are all going to have fabulous careers.
Ellie worthy winner, Leyton and Bobby both fantastic. Loved this series.

What a fabulous show this has been this year. So many super dancers. I've been very emotional watching tonight and when Bobby did his couples choice, we were both filling up here.
We've enjoyed it so much

Thank you Sparklefizz & all who have joined you for this fantastic programme thread.
Happy Christmas to you too.

I'm sure we'll "see" you soon on another great thread.

P.S. Anyone know if Dancing on Ice will be on in the new year.?

Thanks for the thread Sparklefizz.
See you next year!