Strictly Come Dancing 2009

[Marian]

I used to watch MC Swapshop Maureen and Harry, but I think it must have been with my kids!
Did you see my multi-coloured offering a few posts back on 'Fun and Games' when we were listing fireworks? I thought it might be fun to try several colours for Roman Candle and I think I just about pulled it off.
Marian

[Marian]

"The BBC will reportedly drop the Sunday night results show as part of a shake-up to the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Viewers will instead find out the results of the vote as part of an extended programme on Saturday nights.

The format of the popular series was first changed two years ago when the results programme was moved from Saturday to Sunday evenings. However, the new series will combine the two shows, meaning that viewers don't have to wait to find out who has been voted off."

I just read this report. It also goes on to say that this change is also to prevent a clash with the X Factor's results programme that will now be on Sundays.

Marian

[ROBERT M.]

It also said the Sunday shows were pre-recorded anyway

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Right after the Saturday shows we were often wishing to know the result right away, and then when Sunday arrived it was something to look forward to that evening.
Looking forward to the shows again though, whatever.

[mariana44]

I am looking forward to seeing anything decent on a Saturday or Sunday night !!!!

[Sandra]

Have you seen what's on this Saturday night it must be an all time low!

[mariana44]

All I know is ,for ages, my sky plus has been completely empty on Saturday and Sunday-weekend tv at the moment is abysmal.

[Marian]

I expect most of you will know the new line up by now, but for those that don't...

"From soapland we have former EastEnders' actress Natalie Cassidy, who will be dancing with Vincent Simone and fellow EastEnder Ricky Groves, whose partner is Erin Boag. Coronation Street is represented by Craig Kelly (dancing with Flavia Cacace) and Hollyoaks' Ricky Whittle will be taking part alongside professional dancer Natalie Lowe.

Footballers' Wives' actresses Zoe Lucker (dancing with James Jordan) and Laila Rouass (dancing with Anton Du Beke) will be reunited on the show, and the showbiz line-up is completed by actress and presenter Lynda Bellingham (dancing with Darren Bennett) and The Bill's Ali Bastian, who is dancing with Brian Fortuna.

The sporting world is represented by former women's world number one tennis player Martina Hingis, who is dancing with Matthew Cutler, and Olympic athlete Jade Johnston, who is dancing with Ian Waite. They are joined by horse racing legend Richard Dunwoody (dancing with Lilia Kopylova) and boxing world champion Joe Calzaghe (dancing with Kristina Rihanoff). I'm A Celebrity winner and former cricketer Phil Tufnell, who is dancing with Katya Virshilas, completes the sporting line-up.

BBC presenters Chris Hollins (dancing with Ola Jordan) and Rav Wilding (dancing with Aliona Vilani) will also take part, alongside model and businesswoman Jo Wood, who is dancing with Brendan Cole."

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Thank you very much for posting the list of contestants for "STRICTLY " Marian, I have seen the names but couldn't or wouldn't remember them.
It looks as if Arlene Phillips will be taking part in the series after all, although not as a judge but assisting with the choreography.

[Mark Fox]

So you see,no need to worry about Arlene!

[mariana44]

I can see 3 new lady dancers, so still cannot see why Karen had to go!!

And also-what happened to Fern Britton--I read several times that she was scheduled to appear-and dancing with Anton. !!

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Perhaps Fern got held up with a cream bun eating competition on the way.

Although the competition hasn't begun yet and we don't have any idea of the outcome, having looked at the line up of couples for STRICTLY, does anybody have a feeling for any particular couple who may do well.
Just for the fun of it i'm going for Craig Kelly with partner Flavia Cacace and Jade Johnson with Ian White.
Anyone else got any thoughts

[Marian]

I quite fancy Chris Hollins from Breakfast sport to be quite good with Ola Jordan as his partner, and maybe one of the sportspeople.
I see there's controversy already about Martina Hingist being allowed to compete over her history of taking cocaine, but if this dies down, she might do well.
Richard Dunwoody should be light on his feet, but I'm unsure about Joe Calzaghe, who I feel will either be very good.... or not so good!
Marian

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Yes, Ola Jordan was on Breakfast Time TV yesterday morning with Chris Hollins, and he could take it quite seriously, but not so sure about Phil Tuffnell. can you imagine him being serious for long but it will be fun too no doubt.

[Marian]

I didn't see Chris Hollins yesterday, and TV presenters don't have too fantastic a history on Strictly, but he seems a likeable kind of guy and hopefully will do well.
I forgot about Phil Tufnell when mentioning the sports people, but he did win King of the Jungle on "Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here" I believe.
Marian