Strictly Come Dancing

...on BBC1 to watch - Strictly Come Dancing. This year however, not only do I have the additional option of watching a daily half hour update in the BBC2 chat show 'Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two', but the weekly results show is shown on Sunday, meaning there is no day when I can't get my 'Strictly' fix.

==== THE CONCEPT OF THE SHOW ====

Various male and female 'celebrities' are given the opportunity to dance with ...
...WATCHING? ====

Strictly Come Dancing is pleasant, wholesome, family entertainment, the more of which you watch, the more you are drawn into. It is one of few programmes I will record if I cannot watch it when it is broadcast. If I miss it, it is not a disaster, but in my view it is much better than the bulk of other television output. The programme shows some of the celebrities being surprisingly vulnerable, and you do warm to most ... more

I know when Autumn has arrived as my television viewing suddenly has a regular structure. On Sunday evenings after the children have been put to bed, I watch American football while reading the paper. On Saturdays however, there is a more genteel programme on BBC1 to watch - Strictly Come Dancing. This year however, not only do I have the additional option of watching a daily half hour update in the BBC2 chat show 'Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two', but the weekly results show is shown on Sunday, meaning there is no day when I can't get my 'Strictly' fix.

==== THE CONCEPT OF THE SHOW ====

Various male and female 'celebrities' are given the opportunity to dance with professional dancers in both ballroom and Latin dance disciplines. In this current series (the 5th), there are 14 celebrities (and professionals), with one couple being voted out each week. Each week, the couples must perform a dance they have not done before - usually there is a choice between a ballroom dance (waltz, foxtrot, quickstep, American smooth, tango, Viennese waltz, Argentine tango) and a Latin dance (jive, samba, rumba, cha cha cha, paso doble, salsa). In the final show, the remaining couples perform a number of routines, after which the winner is crowned and receives the glitter ball trophy.

= THE WEEKEND SHOWS

=

The show is hosted by the seemingly ageless Bruce Forsyth (80 next year) and Tess Daly. Forsyth provides the slick introductions between each couple's performance, while Daly interviews the couple immediately after they have received the judges' comments and before they receive their marks. Forsyth is also on hand to give words of encouragement to celebrities on the receiving end of any sharp comments from the judges. When he tells them 'you're my favourites', it is a sure sign they have not done very well.

In the show on Saturday night, each couple performs a 90-second day, which is commented on and marked by a panel of 4 judges. The relative positions received (last place gets 1 point, 2nd last gets 2 and so on) make up half the total points, the other half made up by the votes from the general public. In spite of all the problems with premium line phone-ins that the BBC (and ITV) have had recently, the public are encouraged to vote, with 12.5p per call going to Children in Need. This series, however, the presenters are stressing that lines close at a given point, so people should not ring in after that time.

In the results programme, there is a brief recap of the dances in the main programme, music by some (presumably big name) guests accompanied by a dance solely by the professional dancers and then the results are given. The couples have to line up, each in their own spotlight, and when their name is called out they are through to the next round and their spotlight goes off. The last two are then required to dance again, whereupon the judges decide by a majority vote who should go through and who should leave (in the case of a tie, the Head Judge has the casting vote). This format is similar to that used in similar reality programmes like 'Joseph' and 'How do you solve a problem like Maria?' The suspicion is that the changes were introduced to prevent a repeat of the situation where the public vote saved palpably the worst dancers at the expense of a much better performer (as happened with DJ Spoony and Ola Jordan in the fourth series). The results programme is recorded on the Saturday evening, but only broadcast on the Sunday.

= IT TAKES TWO

=

As if the two programmes at the weekend were not enough, every weekday evening for half an hour from 6.30, the slightly kooky Claudia Winkleman (daughter of journalist Eve Pollard) presents a magazine-style programme on Strictly. The Monday reviews the weekend, normally with a clip where the previously eliminated celebrity takes us behind the scenes. The couple who were most recently eliminated are interviewed, along with the couple who survived from the bottom two. During the week, most couples come into the studio and talk about how their training is going, the judges give their opinions of the latest show and look at footage of the couples in training for the next show, and there is also space for other well known guests who watch the show to come in an plug their latest book or film, for example in this series, we have seen Westlife. One feature I enjoy is when Head Judge Len Goodman tries to explain the intricacies of the dances in the next show. It is hard to imagine that anyone could be quite as uncoordinated as Claudia Winkleman manages to appear during these 'master classes', but Len Goodman's suave good humour still holds sway. On Fridays, there is a sneak preview of some of the outfits the female celebrities are going to wear, as well as some training footage and a taste of the music they are dancing to. This is ideal material to veg out to after the children have been put to bed.

= WHY IT IS SO ADDICTIVE

=

This is a programme that our whole family enjoys. Our two young girls (9 and 6) love the elegance of the dancing and the sequined costumes. As adults, it may not be the most intellectual of programmes, but it is good, wholesome entertainment, and you do get drawn emotionally into the 'journeys' of the individual contestants. For instance, during the third series, cricketer Darren Gough was a bit of a lumbering lummox to begin with, but slowly over the weeks he metamorphosed into a more than respectable dancer. In the fourth series, as well as marvelling at how good a dancer Mark Ramprakash was, we saw just how much the series meant to his professional partner, Karen Brady, and when they won and she burst into tears, you wanted to empathise and be glad for her.

The comments of the judges are as a rule informative, entertaining and contain constructive criticism, so that over the weeks you as the viewer you start to notice the good and bad points that judges are looking for. You also get the chance to see one of the genuine greats of light entertainment, Bruce Forsyth, compere the show in a masterly way week after week. Above all, particularly as the series progresses, there are some breathtaking moments of dance on the show, one highlight from last series being the Argentine tango of Mark Ramprakash and Karen Brady, where you would have thought they were both professional dancers.

One last comment should be made on the professional dancers. You can tell that this series means a huge amount to them. Over the series, you pick your own favourites, mine being Ian Waite, Anton du Beke, Darren Bennett, Camilla Dallerup and Lilia Kopylova. What is true of all of the professionals is their commitment to getting the best out of their celebrity partners and the way they enthuse them. Although they are the selfless facilitators for the stars, they become known to you over the course of the series, and in many ways you warm to them most. The way in which such apparently cases as Peter Schmeichel, Darren Gough and Julian Clary have been helped to look at home on the dance floor is a testimony to the abilities and engagement of the professionals.

= THE PARTICIPANTS IN SERIES 5 (AUTUMN 2007)

=

Each year when the list of celebrities is announced, I find I have heard of three or four of them. In fact, having watched the previous series, I find I now know the dancers much better than the so-called famous names. The 14 celebrities this series are:

John Barnes (partner Nicole Cutler). The former Watford, Liverpool and England footballer and ex-head coach of Celtic has so far shown the same nifty footwork that made his name at Vicarage Road, although the most noticeable thing is the amount of weight he has put on. This was clear in the ill-advisedly tight top (in glorious Watford colours of bright yellow, red collar and cuffs and black trousers) he wore in week 1. He is not the worst of the celebrities, but his slightly hunched posture may not lend itself to the ballroom hold.

Stephanie Beacham (partner Vincent Simone) is a star of dynasty, with a cut glass attitude and a real Diva's personality. She was paired with Italian dancer Vincent, who fancies himself as the ultimate ladies' man. When they were voted out of the programme in week 2, it was Vincent who was in tears, while Stephanie Beecham proclaimed herself relieved it was all over.

Kelly Brook (partner Brendan Cole) is a model, whose looks are apparently matched by some talent as a dancer. Her partner, Brendan Cole, has earned a reputation as something of a bad boy, but seems a little in awe of his voluptuous partner. They are one of the favourites to win this series.

Brian Capron (partner Karen Hardy) is an actor probably best known for playing serial killer Richard Hillman in Coronation Street. His partner, Karen Hardy won the previous series with Mark Ramprakash, but had no such luck this time, being voted out in Week 1 following an unconvincing waltz.

Letitia Dean (partner Darren Bennett) was one of the early stars of Eastenders (playing Sharon Beale). The judges have raved about her wonderful dancer's legs, but urged her to throw herself more into her performances.

Matt Di Angelo (partner of Flavia Cacace) is an actor in Eastenders, playing Deano Wicks. After a hesitant opening, he has the potential to be the best of all the male celebrities in this series.

Alesha Dixon (partner Matthew Cutler) a former member of the girl band Mis-Teeq, and is the definite favourite in our household. Her dances so far have been the most impressive, coupled with which she appears the most irrepressible and good-natured character, coupled with an infectious laugh that is reminiscent of Muttley in the cartoon 'The Wacky Races'. Touchingly, her nan and mum are there for each show to watch her.

Kate Garraway (partner Anton du Beke) is a presenter at GMTV, the breakfast time show. She has suffered from tendonitis, which forced her to use crutches in the early weeks. However, she has braved the pain, and the huge sympathy vote from the public has carried her through, since the judges clearly feel that even if she weren't injured, she still is not a very good dancer. Her partner, Anton du Beke, is the epitome of a suave well-spoken charmer, always wearing a tie in training. However, if they end up in the bottom two, I fear the judges will chuck them out of the competition.

Gethin Jones (partner Camilla Dallerup) is a Blue Peter presenter known for his derring-do. Unfortunately so far, he has appeared a little too self-conscious to take this competition by storm, but he could still do well if he lightens up more.

Penny Lancaster-Stewart (partner Ian Waite) is a model and photographer, probably best known as Rod Stewart's wife. So far she has come across as a very down-to-earth, well-rounded and personable individual. She did well in the quickstep in week 2, but struggled the following week, where it was apparent that her tall, gangly physique was not suited to the jive. Although she will do quite well, I do not see her winning this. Her partner Ian Waite is amazingly graceful for a tall man.

Dominic Littlewood (partner Lilia Kopylova) is an Essex car dealer, turned TV presenter, who has lucked out by having the most successful professional dancer (winner of series 3, runner-up series 4). Dominic has so far won plaudits for his cheeky-chappy routines, but his technical limitations may prevent much further progress.

Gabby Logan (partner James Jordan) is a sports presenter and former gymnast. Her jive was very impressive, but neither the judges nor the public seem to have taken a shine to her, possibly because of her competitiveness.

Kenny Logan (partner Ola Jordan) is a former Scotland international rugby player. His partner is the wife of the professional who is partner of his wife Gabby in this competition. He looked very stiff and uncomfortable at the beginning, but has improved since.

Willie Thorne (partner Erin Boag) is a former snooker champion and now a snooker commentator. His footwork was praised, but a career hunched over the green baize meant his posture was not great, and he was voted out in week 3.

The Judges:-

Len Goodman is Strictly's head judge, and has an engaging Colgate smile, and broad east end accent. He is a professional ballroom dancing judge and dance instructor. He is generally more generous in both his marks and comments to the competitors.

Craig Revel Horwood is an Australian dancer, choreographer and theatre producer, who has the somewhat undeserved reputation of being the Mr Nasty of the judges. My view is that he is not afraid to say it as he sees it, even it sounds harsh. He also has the tendency to give lower marks than the other judges, but from his comments on the "It Takes Two" programme, it is clear he feels very strongly about what he is doing. He also made the final on Celebrity Master Chef, and has a very passable singing voice.

Arlene Phillips shot to fame for her dance group Hot Gossip back in the 1970s, who can make some acerbic comments, but was also known for sounding like a giddy schoolgirl with a huge crush on Mark Ramprakash. Her comments this series include "Poor Anton, you're like the person who buys lots of premium bonds but never has a winning ticket."

Bruno Tonioli is an Italian dancer and choreography, whose style can best be described as effusive and who sometimes gets carried away by his own flowery imagery.

= IS IT WORTH WATCHING?

=

Strictly Come Dancing is pleasant, wholesome, family entertainment, the more of which you watch, the more you are drawn into. It is one of few programmes I will record if I cannot watch it when it is broadcast. If I miss it, it is not a disaster, but in my view it is much better than the bulk of other television output. The programme shows some of the celebrities being surprisingly vulnerable, and you do warm to most of them and their professional partners. The judges are encouraging and do not overact to try and steal the limelight, and it is a pleasure watching Bruce Forsyth (I'm less convinced about Tess Daly. I just wish they would speed up the bit where they give the results.

So, I hope that Alesha Dixon wins this series, and if you have never watched it, give it a whirl, you have nothing to lose and you may even become something of a Strictly addict like we have. 

...less