Ö÷²¥´óÐã

I just can't wait to hear that intro music again. I'll be settling in with a cuppa in my Strictly mug with my sequin slippers on.

I think the Pro dance troupe are going to be A-Maz-Ing (a la Craig).

Although worryingly I tried to run a Strictly sweepstake at work but couldn't get enough people to sign up! What's wrong with everyone else. I'm perfectly sane of course...

Well I really must applaude the Ö÷²¥´óÐã on the way they have handled the launch show.
First of all you close the boards and redirect us to 3 other sites,2 of which are full of spoilers.
Secondly you record the launch show, why? Every week you put on a live show but then a launch show you record.
Thirdly if you needed to record for whatever reason why could it not have been recorded a day before instead of 3 days before?
If you are going to have a show like this then the least we could expect is that the pro's and celeb's keep their mouths shut so as not to spoil it for others.
I suppose that the weekly Ö÷²¥´óÐã spoiler (something for the weekend) will soon be having the latest evictee on the programme every sunday morning so there will be no need to watch the results show.

The Ö÷²¥´óÐã and the Strickley team put a lot of effort in to quite rightly an Excellant Show. Comments like the above are uncalled for and childish.
We in our family look forward to a family show . My Wife and I are going to Salsa class as a result of this programme. Well done Ö÷²¥´óÐã and clear off spoil sports.

l just cant wait l will settle down with a nice chinese meal and a drink it seems ages since it was on last and its just come in time cos Big Brother has just finished.I am very sad to see Matthew and Brian are not in this series and look forward to seeing Claudia on the panel....l think she should be one of the dancers though, maybe next year then eh Claudia.

No matter how much the Ö÷²¥´óÐã try to push this series its not the same without Matthew and this is felt by many,he was moved on way before his time and for no good reason (that has been explained anyway).
Wish all the pros (new and "old") well with this series as they all work so hard and this is nothing to do with the new guys but there is a shadow over this series,nothing will cover that no matter how much hype and smoke and mirrors are thrown up by the Ö÷²¥´óÐã and no matter what people associated with the series are allowed or "encouraged" to say in public..
The MB would have been buzzing with comment at this time last year,the same can't be said of this "News" blog.

I suppose this blog could be used to chat about the as it happens.

Totally agree with Gingers post.............

Well I'm spoiler free, I know nothing.

Not long now.

and we're off

Fantastic light set

Please could anyone let me know where the red dress Tess wore for the launch night of Strictly 2010 is from please

ooooh exciting already! So far I'm liking the pairings. They definitely seem to have gone more glam with the pro dances, I like the wow factor but it's all very sexy so far, I hope they do some of the more traditional stuff...

could be a Ö÷²¥´óÐã costume dept one Claire, those girls are good you know

I was very disappointed when i turned unto the launch show of Strictly, where are all the professional dancers from last year. Why do the Ö÷²¥´óÐã feel the need to keep changing the dancers and why do they never explain why they have left? Bring back Matthew, Lilia, Darren and Ian.

am really looking forward to the new series as ever, but must say that i am absolutely gutted that Matthew, Lilia and Darren aren't dancing, it certainly won't be the same without them. Big fat booooo

Typical Anton 's partner is Anne!!!! Now that was a surprise.

I feel sorry for anne widdecombe, they are already just making a joke out of the poor woman. I hope Anton is nice to her!!

Flick can't stop licking her lips

Do they only have Anton on for a laugh. He is a good dancer but they give him the crappest partners.

Aaarrrggghhh, poor Anton, why couldn't he have a lovely lady this year. Phone bill will be huge keeping him in this year!!

Anton is too tall for Anne, what's going on?!

Who is the singer doing the Bassey impersonation?

oh dear, why do the Ö÷²¥´óÐã not like Anton, what is the point of having him on the show at all, he never gets a decent partner as the pairings tonight show, it is a real shame

Muust admit me and my friends watch it as much if not more for our fav professional dancers as much as for the celebs. So sorry my favs aren't in it this year.

All things change. Must be very exciting for the celebs.

Strictly should be ashamed of themselves, first they get rid of Arlene because of her age and it now looks like they're trying to get rid of Anton. Perhaps a campaign is needed to get Anton a decent partner.

Missing Lilia already! :(

Surprised by some of the pairing, I can't believe Anton got paired up with ANN WIDDECOMBE - he always gets the short straw!Come on Ö÷²¥´óÐã, put Anton with a younger person so he's a chance of winning!

Glad Felicity Kendal got paired up with Vincent! Good Luck Felicity, you've got my support! And Jimi Mistry too, a great pairing with Flavia, good luck as well!

The show won't be the same without Brian, Lilia and Matthew but I'm looking forward to the series - just hope it lives up to the other series'
BRIAN will always be the AMERICAN BOY of the show for me! Sorry Jared!
Also wasn't very keen on the new set either.

Good Luck to everyone. Let the competition begin!

All good so far. Things definitely had to change after last year when it all felt a bit tired and dull to me. Well done Beeb for making changes. We probably won't like them all, but that's life. Anton had to get Anne Widdecombe - probably why he is still in the show. Anton has made a brilliant career from SCD - he must know he will get the "pantomime" acts. He's not the best dancer and certainly getting on himself in dancer's terms.

Good luck to them all.

A very entertaining show. Really didn't like the music for the pro dances though. Pairings very predictable, cant believe that poor Anton got Anne, he always gets the short straw. He really is a great sport.I'm sure they will be very entertaining.

Brian is the only American boy!!
Not keen on the new kid trying to take over Brian's mantle.
Bring back Brian!!
And all the other professionals who made the show what it is now, for that matter.

where is lilia and why isnt she dancing when darren is still on for pro dancing?

think anton is the only one that would put upwith it, he is strictly's alan davies ala Qi, he is only on it for the laugh must be in his contract that he wont win!

As soon as they started pairing off the couples tonight I automatically knew Anton would get lumbered with Anne Old Biddy Widdecombe, what are they trying to do to Anton? Is it because he has been successful on other prime time saturday night shows on the Ö÷²¥´óÐã and they don't like it. He is one of the best dancers there and one of the very few remaining from the original series, he also isn't over self indulgent and bad tempered when he gets low scores like certain others I could mention.

Good luck to all.

Well Said high society85 - Bring Back American boy Brian!, Ian, Lilia, Matthew and Darren as competitors.
Those dancers have made the show what it is now.

Here we go again. Anton being given a dud partner. Why do the Ö÷²¥´óÐã feel the need to treat him as the programme joke.
Now we have lost a few of our favourite professionals
Do the Ö÷²¥´óÐã not realise when a good thing was working they may want to attract a younger audience but they may lose the one they already have.

I said at the start of the show, if Anton got Ann then i wouldn't be watching this year. So predictable really. Good on Anton for being such a gentleman. I wonder why Ann agreed to be on the show, as she didn't seem very keen on the dancing tonite did she? They will stay in a while, as Antons fans will be voting to keep him in.

Is Anton is being groomed to be the next 'Stricly' host?

I bet his Strictly path goes Contender - comedy act - host.

Don't like that they've made him into just a pantomime act now and its not really fair on Ann either. She's already at a disadvantage but to give her someone who is blatantly too tall for her makes it even more difficult for her! AND STOP BEING SO MEAN ABOUT ANN ON THE FORUMS - she deserves to be given a fair shot like everyone else!

I am so angry with Strictly!! Why does Anton never get even a chance of winning?? Anne Widdecombe is about two feet smaller than him too, whats that all about? I normally vote for him no matter what, but not this year, he will be losing my vote as a protest. Its ridiculous. Come on Matt and Aliona!

Love the new set, and the Celebrity Lounge up the stairs.
- My favourite pairing is Ola and Paul, what a sweet couple I think they're going to have a lot of laughs.
- Poor Gavin appears to have two left feet! Let's hope he finds his right foot shortly
- I'm still loving Matt Baker, could hardly see him dance on the show, is that because he's really good and the beeb didn't want to give the game away....

Matt Baker for series champion!!!!!

First they cull the older judges (still miss Arlene), now the older dancers and they're making the older contestants into a joke as well. This show is supposed to be a family show, inclusive to people of all different shapes and sizes (ahhh, Ian ...)
This isn't Dancing With The Stars, its not X Factor, this is Strictly. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Actually highsociety85 I did think it was broke. The last Dancing with the Stars series was way ahead of the last SCD series in entertainment value. Much better ideas. I'm glad changes have been made. Seriously if the Ö÷²¥´óÐã were culling the older dancers Anton would have been gone 2 or 3 series ago. He knows when he's on to a good thing - Ann Widdecombe or no Ann Widdecombe. I'm sure he will handle it brilliantly as he usually does and they will be very entertaining.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

"Back by popular demand ... Alesha Dixon"
Define popular??
Do you mean the producers?

A little dissapointing with the launch show, I will be surprised if the show comes up to the standard of previous years, What on earth Anton will do with Anne Widecome is anybodies guess. What the producers are thinking about dropping the previous winners because they are too old bit what about Anton never done anything and never will PITY

Flashy,showy,aka DWTS USA.
Elegance,fluidity,charisma,understated sensuality seemed to be missing.
Too much flesh on show ALL the time and i'm talking about the pro guys !! some of us like a bit of mystery....... or maybe its just me who likes a bit of understated sexuality.
Couple of new the pro pairings are very mis-matched as well but no doubt as ever they will make the best of it.

Just watched the launch show - thought it looked promising and I am willing to give the new professionals a chance, although will miss the old ones.

However - do the Ö÷²¥´óÐã ever listen to the viewers? Alesha Dixon is back despite so many protests last year - why do they do it? Even if they decided against bringing Arlene back, how about using one of the professionals who have been dropped this year? At least they know what they are talking about - Alesha does not. I turn the sound off when she comes on - I cannot stand the inane drivel she spouts.

Poor Anton - pulled the short straw yet again. Should be fun over the next few weeks though as I suspect Anne will not be voted off for some time.

Blimey mamacoosa - give it a chance!

It's a difficult programme to watch with Alesha Dixon in it. She is NOT back by popular demand. It's hard not to imagine how much fun it would be with Arlene back on the judging panel. The new dancer in the jive was no where near as good as Ian Waite. I wonder how many people have to resort to recording it and fast forwarding the irritating parts - I'm guessing thousands and thousands. I may have to give up on it. It just makes me cross because it could be excellent... the Ö÷²¥´óÐã had something special and they ruined it. Bringing Alesha Dixon back when she had been so unpopular last series is insulting to the viewers. The other judges are passionate about dancing. Alesha Dixon is passionate about herself.

I thought the launch show was really entertaining, the new set is great, like how they matched the couples together. Liking the new boys - shame certain 'old' ones are still there...Brendan, Anton!!!!
Always amusing to watch the first group dance, a light bit painful to watch some couples. I am loving Ann, have always thought she is brilliant.
Please DO NOT groom/train Anton to be the next presenter = that would be the absolute pits!!!!
Thank you Ö÷²¥´óÐã for putting the fabulous Matthew Cutler on the front row of the audience and please, please make sure you invite him for every show, we NEED to see him every week!!!!!!

i agree with marzipanlil though, i'm glad i have sky+ so i can fastforward through the drivel and get into watching the dancing which is what the programme is about after all.

Loved the launch show but have to wait til 1st October for the next show :) Loved seeing Matt on the front row to :) X

Hi tinsel,i am or i just would not have watched,i've watched SCD for years and i'm not won over by the showy or the flashy and esp the decision to not pair Ian,Matthew and Lilia with celebs,they were sidelined for no good reason and way before they were "past" it,remains to be seen if the way i think is in the minority or majority category.
Like the new set but thats about it for now.
"Brought back by public demand" as regards the judges was an obvious damage limitation PR exercise.......who here has seen any public demand anywhere for the same 4 judges as last year ??

Just watched the launch show - was a bit disappointed, Alesha back by popular demand? How? I know others have already commented on that but I had to add my bit too! Missing Lilia, Brian and the gorgeous Matthew - I'm with you, lovesMrCutler, it was great seeing him there, let's hope the Ö÷²¥´óÐã listen and we get to see and hear from him lots more. It'll certainly be interesting to see what happens in 3 weeks time.......

I totally agree with post 46 by mamcoosa, no elegance or class shown tonight, just a load of blokes flashing their chests, possibly to take our minds off the dancing and how much we're going to miss the old pro's.

One good thing this year is they appear to have some decent celebrities.

Hello everyone!!

I am looking forward to seeing Flavia & Jimi but not so much a couple of the others.

Hope to see some of the oldies back on the forums!

Bebe xx

I hate the new extra flshy set. How many people didn't think it was going to be Anton & Ma Widdecombe. Very predictable Ö÷²¥´óÐã. Director as usual too interested in close-ups. Apart from all that , I'm looking forward to the series.

Well, I'm happy. James and Pamela are the best pairing so far, Brucie was on form, Tess looked gorgeous and I can't wait for everything to get cracking. All we need is Ian Waite as a permanent fixture in ITT and I will be a happy autumnal bunny. And please, leave Alesha alone; she's a judge, her comments are no worse than any of the others - deal with it.

What's the point of making your opinion known to the Ö÷²¥´óÐã on this site when clearly no notice is taken. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Aleesha back there tonight despite what the majority of viewers thought of her efforts last year. Still I love the show and will just have to grit my teeth. Can't wait to see Mathew on Dancing on Ice- what were the producers of Strictly thinking about when they let him go?

rumbababy i could not agree with you more about Matthew to see him sitting there was great but yet so wrong,he should have been dancing,nothing can replace what he brings to a dancefloor no matter how flashy,showy or "buff" it is,no dis-respect to any dancer as every dancer brings something different to the floor but its just not the right decision to sideline him this year (maybe a few years down the line)and the show will suffer for it.
Ian is wasted in the Dance Troupe,Lilia conspicious by her absence.

The Ö÷²¥´óÐã have a White Elephant in the room and they are hoping it will just go away,well....... it won't.

Loved seeing matt :)
I was dead set on not watching it this year cos my fave 2 (matt and brian) werent in it but after watching it on bbc iplayer i was surpised. Not that fussed on Artem or Robin but Jared cor he's gorgeous (not to mention american (L)

I thoroughly enjoyed the launch show, I was jigging about in my seat after waiting a year to hear the familiar tune. I am happy that some sparkle and entertainment is back in my Saturday night! The partnering is OK, I guess, but it must have been nerve racking just stood there, hoping you'll get someone good. As always, there are some old codgers, like Anne! I do feel sorry for the pro's who end up partnered with two left feet! Poor Anton Du Beke! He has never won, and it doesn't look like he will this year, but I expect the public will take a shine to Anne and keep her in for her personality, but we'll have to wait! The group dances were fabulous, as ever. It's a shame that Matthew and Ian and others have left - I don't even know why! They were some of the best pro's as well. Since Arlene was made to go, the show has lost some of it's fun, because Alesha is not a pro dancer, she doesn't know what she's looking for! Imagine being a professional and you and your partner getting slated by somebody who is nowhere near a pro! Karen Hardy should've replaced Arlene. Well, there are my view. Roll on Strictly! (Merlin was good as well, tonight!)

I think Matt Baker will do well, seeing as he used to do gymnastics. I'd like him to win, but Aliona? Hmm...She ain't the best choreographer, in my opinion. Last year, with Rav, did she not get slated for putting too many lift into the tango routine? I hope she doesn't do too badly, this year.

I'm sorry if I've missed a giant furore over the axing of the missing dancers, but maybe Lilia was happy to step down - maybe she's having a baby?? Don't know but its a possibility. Maybe she just fancied a change? If Matt Cutler was so tee'd off with the Ö÷²¥´óÐã why is he choreographing routines?

Everyone needs to move on, and SCD did need a change. As much as I love it it was dull last year.

Quite enjoyed the launch show but am fed up we have to wait 3 weeks for more SCD. I miss Lilia. Out of the couples I think Flavia and Jimi were my favourite pairing. Thought Goldie looked slightly disappointed and may have been hoping to get Katya (I think I was hoping that too as could see fireworks with that pairing). I thought Felicity Kendal looked up for it. Not sure how Gavin Henson will get on as he comes over as extremely shy (unless he turns out to be another Ramps), Noticed the band didn't get an intro unless I missed it.
Only 3 of the original pros left from series 1 - Brendan, Erin and Anton - there seem to be a lot more acrobatics this year so far in the pro dances. I do somehow wish the Beeb would not try to emulate the US version so much but am trying to feel positive about the changes and overall am very glad Strictly is back - well it will be in 3 weeks!
No scandals this year please................

I was kinda annoyed when I heard about them cutting a load of professionals this year, but decided to try and give the new Strictly a chance.
Maybe I was wrong. About giving it a chance.
So annoyed! With the Anton/Anne pairing, putting all the new professionals with the more popular/well known celebs... I think my family are going to get annoyed with my ranting over the next few weeks...

I agree that the celebrities are far better this year - at least I've heard of most of them!

And I also agree about Alesha Dixon! In all that was written about her performance on SCD last year, probably 98% thought she was awful - myself included. It is, I'm afraid, typical of the Ö÷²¥´óÐã's arrogance that they completely ignored the comments and feelings of the majority. 'Popular demand', indeed! That's just a smokescreen...to make people think that most people actually LIKED her contribution!

And..ah, I am SOOO disappointed that Darren, Lilia, Matthew and the lovely Ian aren't in it this year :-(. At the moment I felt distinctly underwhelmed by the new dancers...

Looks like James Jordan, Anton and one of the new chaps are the only British born pros taking part in the competition this year. Maybe there are no other suitable UK dancers out there. We're certainly given that impression with the ratio. Just very noticeable with Darren and Ian relegated to "chorus" so to speak. Shame Jade Johnson was injured last series as I think Ian had a real chance of winning.

tinsel,Lilia isn't having a baby and she wasn't happy to step down,look for info on the internet and you will find it.
Don't know about Matthew and his views on any of this but he's generally regarded as a very easy going guy,choreography/teaching is his main "job" outside of performing and if the Ö÷²¥´óÐã asked him to choreograph then why not ?? its what he enjoys doing,brings in some ££££ and it still keeps him in the limelight to a certain degree.
SCD did need changing but IMO moving along the 3 pro dancers they did should not have been at the top of the list.

Poor Anton, who set up all the partnerships, Ladbrokes?

The lineup is very interesting and i can't wait to see how it all rolls out. Poor Anton though! he's always been unfortunate to be partnered up with someone bad.
I want to see him partnered with someone good for a change, someone who has got a chance to get Anton anywhere near the final!
I don't see why the dancers keep changing and it's getting harder to keep up.
However, this looks to be a very good series.

I wish the latest messages on this board could be put at the top!

When will the Beeb realise that the pro dancers are as popular as the celebs!! usually vote for my fav pro dancer
think there will have to be a we love Anton campaign
So predictable
knew exactly who Ola would get as a partner and Anton

Anton had a very good partner last year but he could not get the best out of her. He is a decent guy but a rubbish teacher.

I hope that they give Anne a chance and don't give the rumba on week 1.

I found the launch show a bit something and nothing. I had not really got used to last years new ladies without the overthrow of the men as well.

I thought for one moment that they were going to give Anton Kara (is it?) but when they in't I felt the weight of ms Widdecombe being thrust his way. Perhaps he is the only dancer they felt would put up with her.

It was very odd watching Darren without Lilia and equally odd to see Christina without Brian.

My early favourites are Felicity, Matt and Goldie.

The professional dancer Darren was there, where was Lilia???

Lisa - Lilia was offered a place in the dance troupe according to today's paper but not dancing with a celebrity, she declined - Darren got the same offer and he accepted. I am all for change but cannot believe they let Matthew Cutler go a great dancer -he was offered the same and also resigned - it can't be age as Anton would have gone ages ago though doubt he will be in it for long if Anne Widdecombe's dancing tonight is anything to go by.

bob it's a waltz or cha cha cha week 1 as always-expect Ann will get a waltz

Thanks for letting me know about Lilia. Sorry she was sad to leave, but still don't think that new blood is a bad thing. Darren, Lilia and Matt have all won a series - opportunity for someone else to have a go.

Does anyone know if Lilia is going to be on ITT or has she declined to partake in any part of Strictly?

When does ITT start?

ITT - probably 4th oct ??

Well I watched the launch show,all very glitzy,very U.S.A.,very shiny but no substance. It is lacking,lacking,personality and the very professionals, who made the show what it is and gave it credence,although it was lovely to see Matthew sitting in the front row,not quite the same as watching him with a chosen celebrity though...Too many of the original pros have been culled,and these were the best too.Matt,Lilia,Brian, and to have Ian and Darren dancing in the "troupe" seemed all wrong,but you keep Brendan and Anton,who I knew would get Anne as he can't do latin,and will never progress as a winner, he'll give comedy value to keep them in for a few weeks,and that's what's SCD has come down to...It was an English format, but now we have Dancing With The Stars,which I never liked,what's wrong in being proud of a British format,the Americans loved it,but you're obviously seeking that younger audience so you create "StrictlymeetsXFactor".
Best of luck to all,and pleased you recognise Matt Cutler's choreography,somehow though that old adage keeps repeating "If it ain't broke don't fix it",but you've fixed it and who knows you may well and truly trounce the opposition,I'm sure Simon Cowell's shaking in his boots,though highly unlikely...If it doesn't work you've alienated your core viewers who have been with the show from the beginning.

Jenny

There's a Claudia Q&A and a bit of info about ITT in the Press Pack, which says "ex-Strictly professional dancers will appear regularly on the show". Don't know whether that means Lilia, though. Here's the Press Pack page:
/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2010/09_september/08/strictly6.shtml

Really enjoyed the launch show. I like the changes they have made to the set - it looks very snazzy!! I'm pleased to see some new professionals and they do appear to be very good - can't wait to see how they develop. I'm much more excited about this season that I have been over the last few. I think the changes made will be for the better. Good luck dancers and roll on the next show :-)

Well, Jennya - they haven't alienated me. Thoroughly enjoyed the launch show. Celebs all great (although if I was being realy picky would have liked more sports people) and happy to give the new pros a chance. New set looked good - very happy!

I'm not particularly young (not young at all actually!) but all the young people I know were more than happy with the old format- and they all tended to slag Alesha of for her judging.

Hi Jenny

I agree with the criticism about some of the Americanisation of the show (hope they don't do the same with our UK Masterchef - the Aussie 1 is just awful) but when you look back at the very 1st series of strictly, it was done for Children In Need and there was comedy in the form of Christopher Parker not to mention Jason Wood and David Dickinson - and there's been at least one in every single series since. I've never really understood comparisons with X Factor as the two shows are very different. Most people who like both will sky+ it or watch the numerous repeats on ITV

what have you got against the lovely Anton? he doesnt stand a chance!!!!!! I think he is a fantastic dancer so does my husband Boooo

I though Gavin Henson and Peter Shilton were sports people

2 out of 14 not that bad

Do hope all the rumours about Matthew Cutler being on Dancing on Ice are true!! ITV must be chuckling!! even funnier if he wins!!!
I know, have the lovely Karen Hardy as producer or better still a judge

They are dancehalldaze - just would have liked more. Not really complaining - just an observation!

Gavin Henson needs to do a Mark Ramprakash re his nerves. Looks like he does not know what to do with a women - yet we've all seen the papers and know better!

I had made my mind up not to watch this series as I didn't agree with the changes & in particular losing Brian Fortuna, who, in my opinion, was one of the best professional dancers! Having watched the launch show, I'm afraid I have seen nothing to make me change my mind! I wasn't keen on the new set, the dances weren't very exciting & as for Jared saying "I'm the new American Boy"? Sorry Jared there is only one 'American Boy'& that is Mr Fortuna!!
Robin & Artem are amazing dancers. I've seen them in Burn the Floor but they alone cannot make a difference to this show! What happened to the high profile celebrities? These are no different to any others that have been on the show! A big disappointment!!
Sadly, I don't think the changes will improve ratings & this could well be the last series!! :(

I thought the new set looked a bit claustrophobic compared to the old one, and rather too flashy for me. I also am not a great fan of the show dances. I'll probably use my hard-drive digibox to record it and skip those bits, and just watch the actual ballroom and Latin dances with the celebrities.

Bruce's comment about 'back by popular demand' was just meant to be a joke at Craig's expense.

I too will miss Lilia, but at least we still have Kristina, Ola, Flavia and Erin to brighten our Saturday nights!

Just remembered why I logged in, before I got sidetracked reading others' posts. I watched the launch show with interest: the new set looks good, I think most of the celeb line-up is a good mixture, and the celeb/pro pairings are fine with me. However, this did feel like a publicity stunt. I'm not convinced it's good value for £££s to hold a launch show 3 weeks before the series starts, because the 'buzz' will fade a bit in the meantime. Personally, I'd prefer to see an ITT lead-up in the week preceding the first live show. Pre-recorded 'meets' were no less revealing, but I'd be more interested in interviews with the couples and training footage before the first show. Am I alone in thinking this?

At last, strictlyspeaking, someone who has understood the "back by popular demand" comment!

I feel really sorry for Anton. He is a real gentleman but what have the producers of Strictly got against him?? Give the guy a chance!
I understand the need to keep things fresh and new, keeping ahead of 'the competition' but why fix something that's not broken. I'm afraid that if strictly continues to 'change and update' itself it'll end up ruining the show.
Its sad not seeing Darren, Lillia, Ian and the other original professionals that have helped to make Strictly what it is.

Found the show entertaining. The partnerships were good. Good mixture of celebrities. The biggest flaw is that Alicia Dixon is still on the panel,and not sure about all the new professionals. Time will tell. Anne Widdecombe very brave and a great character. I await further shows.