I have at last caught up with the show and here are my immediate observations, in no particular order:
- In recent years, the producers have gone for names and, increasingly, for comedy in their selections of celebrity contestants. This year, there aren't outrageously ridiculous candidates, no figures of complete farce and no hugely overweight folk. Whilst it's true that anyone can learn to dance, not just anyone can win a tv dancing competition.
- O'Donnell didn't exactly set the competition alight, coming across rather damp. Could be nerves but he looked like an elderly man at his granddaughter's 21st birthday party, watching awkwardly as the young folk get rowdy on the dance floor. Partner was an inspired choice. He will be in the competition until mid to late November. Whether the judges like it or not.
- Otherwise, whether it was just the pre-match pinot or not, the cast seemed a really good natured bunch, with a dark sense of humour and not taking themselves too seriously, which is great news.
- Ainsley is going to be great fun, right up to the moment he isn't. In Natalie, he has someone whose strength is what looks to be his weakness: ballroom.
- Ola looked still to be struggling from her injuries, as her legs looked a little bent in the pro dancers' opening cha cha in the studio. Might just have been me, but that was the impression I had anyway.
- A few of the professionals seem to have been carrying a few summer pounds, while Brendan Cole looks as trim as I've seen him for several years. A few weeks to get sharpened up so no dramas but always interesting to see who's up for the series.
- There's a new pro who is Italian, loves himself, has independently moving eyebrows and is a devil for the ladies. Sound familiar? No, well they put him with the small, cute soap actress who was wearing a bright green dress that looked like a lampshade cover.
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- Gleb. That's just obscene. No one should look like that and have talent. It's specifically that principle that means I don't feel bad about being rubbish at stuff. It's what helps me through my failures. Don't start coming here with your face and ability to dance, thank you.
- Peter Andre can dance but we knew that already.
- The Winkleman continues to rock.
- Gallacher has an ideal partner in Brendan. I was concerned about the height difference but 7.5 inches should be compensated by a decent pair of heels.
- Iwan Thomas ran around like an excited puppy. If he can learn to convert that into actions done in time to music, who knows?
- Surprise of the group dance was Katie Derham, who looked like she had excellent timing and good movement. In Anton, she has a safe pair of hands, although Anton winning seems a distant hope now; his latin simply isn't strong enough.
All in all, lots to look forward to.
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