Strictly 2025

[sheepdog]

@Cleoriff @RunrigForever 

And how time flies! Time for the annual reveal of this years Strictly cast of celebs. Oh who am I kidding, let's just pick the anonymity out of the dustbin that is the BBC budget for a flagship show. So before the exciting questions of "Who is this" and "Que?" followed by "Weren't they on Eastenders a decade ago?" and the inevitable "Guess who's needs a career boost", we must mention the new and exciting changes.

First, in a very thoughtful and provoking group session in the BBC canteen, same old judges line-up and we'll get more of I, Claudia propped up by Tess Daley emerging from her yearly hibernation box who may sport another subtle cosmetic procedure. DAO is likely to return as Oasis are still on tour. 

Though in rather more salacious news, there is a drug investigation by the BBC into two "Strictly stars". Which was submitted in March but hey, a new series of Strictly needs all exposure as possible so was announced a few days ago. Must disengage cynical mode....and two new dancers to join Neil Jones as backing dancers: Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon. Usual pro-dancers and yet we still have Katya Jones? 

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

First up, because the BBC really need Gladiators to be successful and everyone will be copy & pasting his name cos I ain't typing it. Former athlete and er, current Gladiator. Could do reasonably well but may find himself in the dance-off mid-series because someone has to.

Alex Kingston

Various roles over the years and this years older woman contestant so far. Could be fun or could be not. 

Dani Dyer

Not Danny Dyer and just to remind you who she is, the BBC has kindly put up a photo with Danny Dyer. Famous for being Danny Dyer's daughter and being on Love Island but mainly being Danny Dyer's daughter as seen in the photo. Dubious EE link but we await to see if Danny Dyer will be announced as a contestant to remind everyone who the daughter of Danny Dyer is.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Legend. And my favourite so far to bring the entertainment. Possibly some decent footwork coming from a footballer but we'll see. Probably won't help him find a new club to manage though.

[Cleoriff]

Balvinder and Julian : Jive 

[Cleoriff]

George and Alexis  :  Quickstep

[TallTrees]

Agreed Balvinder and jive may not mix😁

I watched Strictly I.T.Two 

Fleur chatting with 

Karen and Carlos, nice couple hoping the next dance will do as well.

[Cleoriff]

Karen and Carlos : Couples Choice 

[Cleoriff]

Lewis and Katya :  Rumba

[TallTrees]

Thank you for those videos @Cleoriff 

👋 

[Cleoriff]

@sheepdog @TallTrees @RunrigForever 

I think all music fits the dances , although I'm not sure about the Lady Gaga number. I suppose it depends what part of it is picked for the CC, Dave Arch's interpretation and the choreography from Carlos? 

I read somewhere that the betting odds have changed dramatically. Lewis has been favourite for weeks but George, followed by Alex have taken the two top spots. Apparently down to fans wanting someone with NO dance experience to win. Very petty. Last time Lewis danced on stage was when he was 10 and was in Billy Eliot. That musical did not have Latin or Ballroom dancing. It's always a fact that anyone who went to drama school, undertakes a dance section, so that would include Alex, Balvinder, Amber and Lewis.

Karen, although renowned for her football, attended dance school as a child until she was 16. 

So the only one left is George. 😂

It's so stupid as none of the celebrities remaining have ever undertaken any ballrooom or Latin dance.

Also, apart from SCD, the last time I saw Lewis Cope was in Emmerdale last year when he played Caleb Milligans son.!!

[TallTrees]

Hi @Cleoriff 

No dance experience, that's probably impossible! We did dance at school and group dance 😂. Many little unz go tap dancing for their Gaelic dancing.

You nearly a ballerina and me one hour at Miss Nash school of dance 🤣 probably says everything. 

So funny really.  I think Balvinder and Alex in dance off.   It does really depend on the dance on the night .  We shall 👀 

[sheepdog]

@Cleoriff definitely a week where the celebs have themselves to blame for not matching their dance to a perfect tune. Hardest one is for Lewis as he has lacked that “softer” side and being a rumba, good thing there are weaker dancers left so no chance of getting a low score to be in the bottom. 

I might not be able to get the Weird Al version out of my head when Karen & Carlos do their thing:

Don't forget “instant death dance” will make this Saturday’s show an absolute goldmine for criticism 😍 

[Cleoriff]

@sheepdog @TallTrees 

I'll miss the start of Strictly on Saturday as it clashes with the penultimate F1 race in Qatar. 

 Qualifying Saturday and race Sunday both end about 30mins after SCD starts...that depends if there are any pile ups and/or safety cars.

So I'll be watching the recording. 

As for that video you posted....😂

I'm hoping Lewis doesn't turn that Rumba into 'The Dance Of Death'🙄 as happens with so many male celebs.