Strictly 2026- Remembering Sparklefizz.

I always record the show as I can’t stand all the chitchat, but I’m missing Tess and Claudia already. Emma is a good presenter, but Josh doesn’t seem like a good choice and he looks so awkward and out of place. I wonder why he’s actually there?! Jo Jo should definitely be dancing not presenting. He’s not a natural presenter.

Charleygirl5

I couldn't stand the screaming and the chit-chat so I watched another programme but flicked between. 3 presenters are too many and I agree, Jo-Jo should remain a dancer.

I have only heard of one "celebrity" but I have no idea what she does. She is a dame and storey is her surname.

I may watch it next week when some dancing may be performed.

Dame Sarah Storey was/is a very successful paralympian in cycling and swimming. She seems to have a good personality and most sportspeople are good on Strictly, they are so competitive and used to training and being coached. It will be interesting to see how she does.

There are two other sportspeople - Tabby is a Winter Olympic medallist and Shaun Wright-Philips was a footballer so they could also do well. Last year's winner was a footballer so you never know.

Just watched a bit of it not sure.

RIP Sparklefizz. I watched this evening but only recognised two of the contestants. No chemistry between the presenters. Hoping things will improve soon

RIP Sparklefizz she’ll be with us in spirit

Emma and Josh NO chemistry and I mean none! They kept on about how brilliant the chemistry was going to be, well I didn’t see any of it. Disappointed JoJo is not dancing but he has some potential as a presenter . I may be biased but I love him.

Emma’s dress to made her look completely washed out , what an awful wishy washy colour. I’ll still be watching it but I think it’s not as good.

I would have liked Zoe and Ryland

Thank you Sweetpeasue! Looking forward to chatting on this thread. Something a bit different (for me anyway!).

A commendable reason to watch it ,if I may say so FriedGreenTomatoes2 . Sparklefizz was much loved by many.
Your summary of the show, from your reading, is spot on. I love dance and have watched Strictly from the first show.
Hope you enjoy the dancing. I so agree with you about the cringe padding out bits.

I couldn't stand the screaming and the chit-chat so I watched another programme but flicked between. 3 presenters are too many and I agree, Jo-Jo should remain a dancer.

I have only heard of one "celebrity" but I have no idea what she does. She is a dame and storey is her surname.

I may watch it next week when some dancing may be performed.

Late to the party in so many ways.

Firstly (and most importantly) I was not aware that Sparklefizz had died. That came as a shock to me just now. A lovely lady that I mostly remember from Terribull’s wonderful 50 books thread.

And secondly very late because I think I’m one of the very few people who have NEVER watched Strictly. I know. Various reasons over the years. I shan’t dwell.

Anyway as a tribute to Sparklefizz I’m going to watch it this season. Crikey I must be about 20+ years behind the curve….

I think I’d be best watching it on iPlayer so I can scoot along the boring bits. I’ve heard there can be some really cringey/smaltzy interviews - some tearjerkers, some done to garner the sympathy vote? Apologies if tgat sounds a bit harsh and mean.

I’m going to watch/listen to the dancing and the judging and give it a fair go. See how I get on with it.

I’ve read that it’s a toss up between entertainment (public vote their favs apparently and so it’s not always about the competency) and a meaningful dance competition judged by experts who expect to see progress thereby keeping the better dancers going forward?

Takes us all up to Christmas anyway on dark winter nights! Maybe it’s addictive!

I have never watched Strictly and I have never watched any reality programme but just to say I send condolences to the family of Sparklefizz, I didn't know about her but any GNer is a virtual friend and I am sad about her.

I am afraid I found it too drawn out. There was too much squealing and jumping about. I love all three of the presenters singly but not sure about them together.
Hoping it will get better.

I’m afraid my attention wandered quite often.

Too much talking, a lot of it felt rather ‘forced’.

‘Yes, we’re all having a great time!’

To be fair, I never rate the launch show. Much better when the first week or two have passed by, got rid of the no hopers, and start to get to know the pros and their (mostly unknown to me) partners.

Well, I thoroughly enjoyed it, wasn't expecting to!
A breath of fresh air the program needed
Looking forward to next week

So drawn out tonight.
Looking forward to the actual dancing now.
Not sure about having 3 presenters- Josh seemed to look surplus to requirements.

I love Emma, she is a great presenter and stunningly beautiful. I wanted her to be paired up with Rylan, he would have been perfect for this role.

But not it 🙄

I agree about Emma’s dress it think she’s a great presenter.

Not loving Johannes as a presenter but love him as a dancer.
Jury’s out here about Josh!

It is very drawn out😫looking forward to the dancing starting next week💃🕺

Totally agree about Emma’s dress and sometimes I miss what johannes is saying.
Hardly know any of the celebrities.
I’m bored too but it will get better.

Bring* not ring

I’m bored too. It’s soooo dragged out. Ring on next week when the competition really begins.

Emma seems a natural but yes that dress is totally the wrong shade. As much as I love Jo jo I’m not sure as a presenter and as for Josh he looks like a fish out of water.

rafichagran

I love strickly, but tonight is boring. I am looking forward to the competition.

Actually, though I really want the dancing to start, I’m not bored

I love strickly, but tonight is boring. I am looking forward to the competition.

Calendargirl

Not a dance observation, but Emma’s dress looks rather an insipid colour to me.

Think she would look better with a stronger colour.

Just my personal opinion, of course.

Oooh I’ve just looked at it again and agree 100%

I love love love Emma Willis! But I’m
also a huge fan of JoJo.

I do like Josh, but feel he was an odd choice, but love this show, the judges crack me up and I’m willing to give it all a fair chance.

Loving it so fair, think if they all gel it’ll be FAB U LOUS darling!