Strictly Come Dancing 2023

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!

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.

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.

I mean Angela Scalon

Superb

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.

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!

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.

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 😱

Very interesting that Amanda thanked everyone bar the janitor in an Instagram post but didn’t mention Giovanni! That’s really bad form when he posted a lovely message about her. Gio is a brilliant dancer and a great teacher but I would say he is a hard task master and doesn’t take any excuses. I get the vibe off her that she didn’t like being told what to do and didn’t take criticism well. The celebs need to understand that this show is the professionals bread and butter and if they don’t get to a certain stage in the show, they don’t get to do the live shows and lose out on income.

That said, some of the abuse she got for her supposed anti trans views was vile and disgusting. From what I’ve seen reported, she didn’t say anything particularly bad but she got absolutely vilified. No one should have to put up with that level of abuse for merely stating an opinion.