Strictly 2024

So disappointed to see Shayne go I felt his dancing was way better than Wynne

Allira I grew up in Blackpool and the queue for the lights used to be extremely long on Squires gate Lane, just before the start on the prom at Starr Gate.
There was even a phrase 'beat the peak, come midweek!'.
Day trippers, well evening trippers really, would start to form the queue as soon as it was dusk- drive along the prom through the lights- then drive out of Blackpool using Preston New Road. So you could just drive through and leave again,
It was a one way system- very disruptive for Blackpool residents who avoided the prom like the plague if they wanted to get anywhere quickly. This was before the M55 motorway was built which enabled many more to have speedy access to Blackpool, just for the day/evening.
The weekends were when lots of coaches etc came and people stayed in the guesthouses and hotels, so the lights were a great way of extending the season, leading nicely into those who came for Christmas and New Year.
We moved down south about 30 years ago and when we go back to visit relatives I hardly recognise the place, so many new roads in and out, connecting with the M55, new builds where the countryside was ( yes even up North we had fields and cows ) and its lovely to see the tower still standing proud, shining like a colourful beacon.

Talking of the emotional stuff, if Bobby was allowed a number dancing about his mum, Jade Goody, last year, then I guess Pete was just following in the same way.
Occasionally there is a piece of haunting music you play over and over to remember a loved one, and it really reduces you to tears by its association. Mine is Memories from Cats.

I feel that Shirley should be demoted from her head judge position, her marking is ludicrous.
I can’t stand Wynne, and his time should have been up.
Pete has grown on me, I too hate all the emotional stuff, but I agree, he looked genuinely very upset.
But to score him higher than Sarah? Come on Shirley, that’s ridiculous.

Pathetic decision by Shirley, I can't stand her. Wynne should have gone. Have to blame Anton too.

😯

But you have to stay afterwards!

I first went when I was about six weeks old, last went with DH who was not impressed!
I think it's improved since then.

Allira

😯 Tasha!

You can't drive through Blackpool!

You've either never been or you go and visit.

You can drive through the lights. At least you could about 45 years ago. My nan lived in Cleveleys and was then in a care home in Fleetwood. We used to go when the lights were on and take her a drive through the lights all along the front.

Sorry I’m not very good with links but I just Googled it and the other dancer was Nadiya. I hope it’s just a rumour.
Then again there was also reports last week of Johannes leaving. As he’s doing a tour of Kinky Boots next year and I also understand his life story is being made into a film I could see his reasons. I was pleased to see him post on his socials that in his words “ I’m going nowhere” he’s one of my favourites.

I hadn’t heard that Grandmadinosaur and I really hope it’s not true. I love Karen, Katya and Gorka.

As I thought, Wynne would be saved, and he was not the better dancer. I don't pretend to understand the Professor Biggs theory of voting, but will return for a closer look; I have noted over the years how some contestants find their way into the final five, if not three, not on merit but because they are saved by the judges. Others are unaccountably dropped, and as the public voting scores are never revealed (why not) it is impossible to calculate. Hope it is not being engineered to get Chris, so deservedly popular, out by putting him up against someone he cannot beat.
This suspicion of 'engineering' spoils Strictly for me.

I don’t like Neil, but I do like Karen. I think it would be a mistake to have a big clear out of the professionals, because they are the backbone of the show really, and lots of new professionals all at once would not work in my opinion. Is this just a rumour though, rather than anything official?

Calendargirl there have been stories in the press in the last few days stating some of the “veteran” pro dancers are facing the axe. These are Neil,Katya,Karen ,Gorka and one other whose name escapes me. Apparently they want to bring in younger dancers and freshen it up. Not sure if it’s true or not.
I for one wouldn’t miss Neil and Karen.

I loved Karen and Kai’s dance. Karen is my favourite female professional and I was disappointed to see her paired with Paul Merson as she was bound to have an early exit.

escaped

Isn't Karen one of the dancers to be axed?
I think she was making a point!

Karen to be axed?

Have I missed something?

I was watching a really interesting programme on Talking Pictures about the Royal Family At War which didn’t finish until 7.40.

I tuned in to Strictly just as they were announcing the second eliminations, so wasn’t sure who was dancing against Shayne until the actual dance off,

Yes, I knew Shirley would save Wynne, think she and Anton were in cahoots.

Isn't Karen one of the dancers to be axed?
I think she was making a point!

Millie22

I'm not sure who it was dancing with Kai? Karen maybe but it was a lovely dance.

Sorry to see Shayne go out and miss Blackpool.

I think it was Karen dancing with Kai.

I'm not sure who it was dancing with Kai? Karen maybe but it was a lovely dance.

Sorry to see Shayne go out and miss Blackpool.

You could tell which way it was heading. After Craig and Motsi's votes, when Anton started going on about energy it opened the door for Shirley to make the joyous comment and save Wynne.
Last night I thought Shane should go, but seeing the two dances side by side tonight, I changed my thinking.

I’m glad Wynne was saved. He was truly joyous to watch whereas I was rather bored watching Shane and he has been near the bottom and in the dance off twice.

I think Wynne is great. Good rhythm , light on his feet and great at interpreting the story of the dance.

I was disappointed with the result. Shayne was the better dancer. Nancy was so gutted wasn’t she. Katya looked so upset for them she is so lovely. I loved Michael and Alfie tonight and Kai and I’m not sure who he was dancing with but they were brilliant.

Grumpy about that result here too. Nancy looked really tee-d off we thought.
I suppose Wynn is a flamboyant performer but, as said above, a joyous rumba would be a real turn up for the books.

Oh dear Shirley, why??

Sad about that result. I feel Shayne is the better dancer too.

Poor show Shirley.