Strictly Come Dancing 2023

ohnonotgmail

First pics of Janettes and Aljazs baby girl

https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/502517/strictly-janette-manrara-aljaz-skorjanec-baby-lyra-first-photoshoot-exclusive/

Ezeoul

Such a cutie. 👶

Lyra Rose is a lovely name too.

JP Liz V1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120959208#Comment_120959208

A great opening paso by Nigel and Katya

Ezeoul

I missed it last night and it didn't record because I forgot to leave the sky box on standby.

Is it repeated anywhere? It used to be repeated on Sunday afternoon, but I can't seem to find it, if it is this year.

Hippodrome Song Owl

I really enjoyed that first show. Nigel was brilliant, and I'm so glad Katya has a good partner. She is the most exciting pro in terms of choreography and getting the most out of their partner. Annabel was really good, and seems lovely. Ellie also great which I didn't expect from the group dance.

They weren't all perfect, but personally I loved Angela Rippon, Krishnan, Bobby, Eddie and Amanda. I think Krishnan has potential to surprise us. I don't want to hear anymore about the Amanda and Giovanni' "feud" either. She's quite good, and he always comes up with great dances, so just get on with it without the drama!

Les is borderline as to whether he'll be an Ed Balls (improving gradually from a low base and entertaining) or a John Sergeant (consistently awful, just a joke). But I want him to do OK, so fingers crossed.

Layton has too much dance training to be included. I feel the same as when Ashley Roberts was on it. I do like his confidence, but I almost felt like there was an arrogance there that he thought he's better than Nikita!

Ezeoul

I agree with you about Ashley Roberts. I wasn't aware Layton had dance training (tbh, I don't know anything about him) but Nigel has had dance training too...

It really is an unfair advantage, even if they play it down.

(eta) Okay, I looked him up. Layton is a West End performer and has played the title role in Billy Elliot for gods sake. I agree with those who say he shouldn't really be there.

Hippodrome Song Owl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121149935#Comment_121149935

I don't mind some dance training - I think it's inevitable with a lot of celebrities who have attended stage schools, or been involved with drama and theatre on the way up in some form.

But Layton has starred as Billy Elliot in the West End, and starred in Rent. He has studied dance since he was a child. And it's not like it's something he used to do but has been away from it for years - it's what he does for a living - he's a well trained West End stage star specialising in shows with a dance focus.

Hannibal_Smith

Normally I don't like when some one has previous dance training/experience but Layton and Nikita look soooooooo good together and Nigel and Katya have Nigel in the coupling so I've decided to be shallow on the matter this year.

All the pros always say how ballroom is so different to anything else, and I'm willing to go with that this year to support my shallowness 🫣😀

Sorry, I know you said you didn't want to talk about it, but are there rumours of Giovanni and Amanda not getting on?

Hippodrome Song Owl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121150010#Comment_121150010

Yes, the tabloids were full of rumours of a rift on Friday and Saturday according to their headlines anyway - claiming she was threatening to quit as she felt he was too tough in training. It's hard to know of course as they will print anything, and there's already quite a bit of vitriol towards her from certain quarters so perhaps just trying to stir things for their audience.

Hannibal_Smith

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121150051#Comment_121150051

Hopefully it's not true. I'd say he's tough and pushes hard, but I think it works in bringing out the full potential of his partner. Rose was able to handle him well 😀

HildaOgdenx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121150153#Comment_121150153

I think there's bound to be tensions for all of them, at some point, in the training rooms. It's all so intense and full on.

But the papers make stories out of nothing. A pro or celebrity just walking along the street looking serious will have them with headlines saying such and such looked downcast and so on.

They have something today about Motsi and Craig and ghosts or something. 🤣

ohnonotgmail

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121150167#Comment_121150167

Apparently people have felt a chill and a voice shouting "seeeeeven"

Ezeoul

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121151128#Comment_121151128

I thought Anton was channelling Len, when giving his "seeeeeven"! 😂

HildaOgdenx

Here's tonight's offering.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/1a1084f0-34db-44a2-95c9-82148972fff5

HildaOgdenx

Les Dennis was first out, unsurprisingly. Although I did think being a well known person might keep him in a bit longer.

Left very graciously, I would say he was glad to go, but he was delighted with having been on the show.

Bluebell woods

Angela Salon was superb !!

Bluebell woods

I mean Angela Scalon

Superb

Ezeoul

Not finding any of the couples too compelling this year so far. Layton just annoys me as he shouldn't be there at all.

That jive by Nikita was one of the flattest I've ever seen, where were the flicks and kicks? For once I agree with Craig.

The over-enthusiastic forced delight by the pros when given low scores by the Judges seems extra fake this year too. :(

Hippodrome Song Owl

I'm really enjoying this year. I like all the celebs this year for once. I loved the Disney pro dance tonight.

This week I thought Angela Scanlon was just brilliant and so entertaining. I also think Amanda is a fabulous dancer. Bobby is very good and so likeable. I loved Krishnan's performance tonight - such great fun. Ellie and Vito are a great partnership.

Layton was a disappointment tonight. I don't think he should be on the show at all as his dance training and current professional experience is just too much - but watching him and Nikita do that Quickstep last week was nearly worth it. This week not so much.

Nigel also disappointing this week - very boring choreography from Katya, which is unusual.

I have to say that Lauren is really standing out as the most talented pro dancer this year. She's mesmerising.

Ezeoul

I agree about Lauren, she really is mesmerising - she stood out from the crowd for me in the group dances last year, and I was hoping she'd get a partner this year.

I also think Carlos is incredible, and Nikita K is standing out this year and showing us what he can do - I just wish it had been with a different partner.

I have no favourites yet, but I suppose it is a bit early in the competition. There are always some who peak too soon.

And it is way too bloody early for tens from Shirley!

Hippodrome Song Owl

I'm only noticing Lauren this year, but she definitely stands out in group dances. I also love Carlos - so talented.

I'm about to give up on It Takes Two I think. I like Fleur, but find her to be a dull presenter. Janette's OK, but it will never be the same without Zoe. I haven't enjoyed Joanne Clifton's segments either - she's there to do choreography insights, but she can barely walk in her platform shoes let alone show the intricacies of dance steps - it just ruins it. Bring back Ian Waite!

Ezeoul

I've never watched It Takes Two. And I definitely won't watch it now if Fleur is on it, I cant stand her!

Ezeoul

So, Zara and Graziano, and Nikita and Gorka in the dance-off. Zara saved by the Judges. I'm not surprised.

At least Gorka goes out on a high note after that tribute to Barbie - He was an amazing Ken!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_HGonMyQuo

JP Liz V1

Amanda was superb this week

gidget

Found the performances a bit dull tonight, no real standout dances at all.

lmahoney79

I was astounded watching Angela Rippon's dance last night....what an incredible woman!! Also Layton and Nikita's dance was brilliant.

Poor Jody, I think he needs to go now, just not a dancer at all. He just seems embarrassed to be there.

Hippodrome Song Owl

Personally I thought Layton's Cha Cha was a standout! He shouldn't be in it, but I can certainly appreciate when he gives a great performance. They seem to have developed a really strong partnership too, and it's nice to see the far they have come in that regard from week 1.

Nigel's salsa was really enjoyable and good to see him back on track. Angela Rippon is phenomenal. An inspiration.

I enjoyed seeing the progress of the weaker dancers - Krishnan was great - he's my favourite now - a proper beginner starting to make progress. And Adam's waltz was lovely. Annabel's jive was a good improvement too.

I thought Bobby was really hampered by the terrible song choice. The height difference with Dianne is really sticking out too in hold.

Jody should be the one to go. I agree with the comment above that he seems embarrassed to be there. You can get away with being a poor dancer, and of course his struggles due to his leg, but you have to be able to throw yourself into it fully by week 4!

I thought it was good to see some meaningful criticism from the judges this week too.

HildaOgdenx

Amanda (and Gio) will not be participating tonight. Due to medical reasons.

Navy blue

Scoring seemed all over the place tonight. High scores despite quite a few mistakes. No way Zara and Graziano deserved that score, she hardly did any dancing and the dancing she did was slow and stilted. Thought Layton and Nikita were fantastic, but no other dances really stood out. Angela is some woman to be almost 79 😱

HildaOgdenx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121268920#Comment_121268920

She is heading for 80 now 😁. She was 79 on October 12th.

Spoiler Warning

Eddie and Karen versus Zara and Graz in dance off. Eddie and Karen eliminated. Unanimous decision.