Strictly Come Dancing 2025

I agree about Chris McCausland @Escarpment. It's been a while since I was so moved by something on TV like that.

 

I did watch the Stricktly programme a couple of times when it first came out but that was about it. I hadn't realised Chris Mc. was taking part. I do like him and admire how he tackles life. For anyone interested he hosts a panel/quiz on the radio "What the hell is this ?".

 

I've hardly watched over the past several years. In part because of the 'no-hopers' who were clearly recruited for comedy value and seemingly had no interest in actually trying to dance. That was followed by PC/woke lineups.
I thought Chris McC was incredible, just like Rose before him. They are inspirational, not like the rest of the Z list crowd. It has been good to see the likes of Bill Bailey and Hamza come through as totally unexpected winners. I'll only start watching at the 'Blackpool' point to see who's in it, then not until the quarter or semi final.

 

Agree about Chris McC, Rose and Hamza being brilliant and deserving winners and turning some perceptions on their heads. Bill Bailey was already musical and turned out to be surprisingly lithe and high stamina. Some of the Z listers have turned out well too and that chap who stood in at the last minute to partner Oti a few years ago was a good find.

I tend to tune out all the fluff and just watch the dancing which can be beautiful. Some of the choreographies the pros come up with are really creative. Don't always like the costumes and music choices tho.

 

A couple more -

Thomas Skinner. An Apprentice contestant from a few years ago, back in the day when at least some of them had a "personality" and I used to watch it . I do remember him.

Stefan Dennis aka Paul Robinson from the Aussie soap "Neighbours".

Vicky Pattison is a TV presenter, author, podcast and radio host. I think she started out in Geordie Shore (The North East version of The Only Way is Essex if you like). I think she'll approach it with the right attitude from what I've seen of her.

 

Final ones.

Karen Carney. Former professional footballer for both various clubs and England. Now a journalist and pundit.

Ross King. Television presenter, actor and writer. LA correspondent for ITV programmes Good Morning Britain and Lorraine.

Finally, Kristian Nairn. Actor and DJ, best known for appearing in Game of Thrones playing Hodor.

 

For those who are remotely interested (), Kristian Nairn has pulled out.
Kristian Nairn: Game of Thrones star withdraws from Strictly Come Dancing

 

The replacement is an actor, Lewis Cope.
He plays Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale, and has also appeared in TV shows Vera, Mrs Sidhu Investigates and Hetty Feather.

He also played the lead role of Leonard Vole in the Olivier-nominated play, Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution.

Not being a soap watcher, not someone I've heard of.

 

18.40pm tonight.

" Strictly is back! Join Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as they welcome 15 new famous faces to the ballroom.

The launch show starts with a bang as the entire Strictly family hit the dance floor for an epic opening performance. Two new professionals arrive in style with a sizzling poolside routine, Jessie J provides music and 2024 Strictly champions Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell return for one last dance together.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke keep a watchful eye over proceedings as 15 new partnerships are formed, but who will be paired with whom?

Our brand new couples then take to the floor as our celebrities show off their moves for the very first time. "

PS Please don't shoot the messenger .

 

Enjoy watching Strictly @AnniD !
My late partner Beryl used to say "Paddle your own canoe" ... so if your canoe is Strictly, then enjoy paddling it

 

Autumn: first comes Bake Off and then Strictly starts! I rarely know most of the “celebrities” (probably because I don’t watch soaps or ‘reality’ tv shows) but you can usually tell who will be half decent in the first episode.

 

Just climbed out of my canoe to make a couple of comments about the launch show.

Chris McCausland and Dianne brought a tear to my eye once again. That really is a very special partnership.

Wouldn't it be nice to see just one celebrity meet their professional partner by walking across the room, arm outstretched, saying "Lovely to meet you " and perhaps a kiss on the cheek. Waving their arms in the air and shrieking is a tad OTT for me.
I might try it one day in the supermarket and see how it goes .

La Voix taking one look at Aljaz and walking out saying "That's the one I didn't want" made for a pleasant change and made me laugh, especially when he said he thought it was genuine.

Nikita. If only I were ten years younger.....

OK, who is laughing at the back ? Twenty then .

 

I do agree about all the shrieking. Apart form being clearly fake, it's painful on the ears.

There is already one contestant I'd like voted off asap as he's just awful - big, loud, not funny or attractive in any way - and another couple I don't think will last long if they don't soften up and get some rhythm in their moves. Harder to tell with the women but we'll soon get to know them.

I'd be quite happy to FF my way thru all the fluff and just watch the dancing and judges' comments but OH likes to watch all the cr*p too, but then he also likes The Apprentice and Traitors in all their gory nastiness and banality.

 

I love it.
So much glamour, whats not to like.

 

I always watch the launch programme so I see the introductions to those taking part, otherwise I spend the series thinking "Who are they again?"
I fully intended to skip at least half, however, I ended up watching almost all of it and enjoyed it more than expected. Obviously I'd only heard of a couple of them but that's never mattered before. La Voix was unexpectedly hilarious, several show much potential, one needs to go in the first week (but poor Amy), the Chelsea footballer seems sweet, and if the Gladiator can stop doing that unpleasant pecs thing I'll be happy. Looking forward to the rest