Strictly My Views Part 8 - Paul Ricketts

Is it me? What has happened to Strictly this year, so many people I know who are stalwarts of supporting. Are finding some crucial element lacking and none are quite able to put their finger on it. Halloween was an indicator that just wasnt quite there, now we have the Blackpool Special, another favourite in the Strictly calendar. It kicked off with a group dance. Group dances are amazing and make you gasp. This one was all about rejecting a meal at a restaurant and it was awful. The theme of the dance was lindy hop, and to be honest it did not match up to the standards the dancers usually set. As usual an impressive ballroom and sets.

The dancing proper kicked off with Jay and Aliona dancing the salsa, and whilst he had a sexy partner, it was again lacking in some quality I could not put a finger on. Good job but not for me.

Then, the dreaded Jamelia and Tristan dancing the quickstep. I will concede she has made massive improvements, but lacks way behind the rest of the pack. Dance off for sure for me.

Anita and Gleb were dancing the Paso. What an amazing job she did. Again, technically correct but just too perfect. Very strong dancing, and a shameless plug by Gleb to go six pack out. No body likes a show off, though Im sure, every female enjoyed it.

Katie and Anton had the American Smooth, and sadly, much as I love her to bits, it wasnt that great for me. I can see her in the dance off with Jamelia. Though I still love her to bits, I think she will pip Jamelia and win the dance off.

Peter’s Jive left much to be desired and to be fair, the Blackpool Tower is the worst room you want when you have to fill it with a Jive. That is some energy to keep going to make that look good. I dont feel he captured the dance style well enough for me.

Team GG danced the vienesse waltz. Which was excellent. But correct me if Im wrong. I felt sure that lifts were not allowed in this dance. She did a few. I know the tower is a different setting, but dont set rules for the show and then break them for entertainment. It is confusing and unwanted.

Helen danced the charleston. Here we have to say her moves were technically correct, but were too perfect for the dance style. A bit of carefree goes a long way in this dance.

Lastly Kellie danced the quickstep, which on the night, for me was the best dance. It didnt score the highest. The music, good old Dollie 9 – 5 was good and the energy of the dance was awesome. Kellie to win.

So it feels like all I am doing is complaining about everything, on a show that I love to bits. What is happening. I would be most interested to hear how you are finding it. Are you enjoying it as much as previous years?