Strictly 2017 - Nearly Show-Time!

[CaveMum]

The couples have been announced and rehearsals have started. So strap on your dancing shoes, it's time for Strictly 2017 💃🏻🕺🏼

Karen didn't do ALL of IT2 last year though did she? she was abroad or something.

Chizzy looked like she had already lost some weight yesterday which will help her knees and feet!

Think Zoë said Karen is in Australia but might of misheard it

I know Karen is in demand as a dance teacher/judge so maybe she just doesn't have the availability. Such a shame she won't be on IT2 - I look forward to her insights. Camilla's comments yesterday didn't add anything to what the judges had already said.

So no Karen Hardy on IT2 this year - what a shame. Anyone else think she got the hump after losing out on the head judge position?

This is my theory too, yes.

I didn't notice the Brendan and Camilla-off. What is their history? Did they fall out? Or are they just exes?

B&C were engaged when Strictly first started but split up after rumours of him and his partner getting close when they won S1.

I'm going to miss Karen aswell. Whenever she's had to miss a show, her stand ins have never been as good as her.

Oh of course, I'd forgotten about Brendan and Natasha thingy. Thanks kazza.

No one can replace Karen on Choreography Corner. She's the best.

I didn't see ITT and can't catch up on iPlayer for the moment. Is Camilla taking over from Karen?

I think they're having a ragbag of whoever is free and willing selection of top Strictly people doing Choreography Corner.

Ian Waite would be best (I know he has a 'spot' on the show). I'll give Camilla chance, although the manufacturers of shoes for torture dungeons must love IT2 Her and Zoe will end up with bad backs and feet if they wear those shoes all the time. They don't look good to me.

Yes, Ian's the best thing about ITT. I'd actually like him back on the main show.

I think the women on ITT must get lifted to their seats and then lifted back again after they've done their bit. People can't actually WALK in the kind of shoes they always have on, surely?

True Rhiannon The manufacturers of those creations must be laughing all the way to the bank at the fashion victims who buy them.

Marking for step lead.

Just completing the office SCD sweep.

To be fair to the likes of Camilla and Karen, if they can dance in 3-4" heels they'll have no issues whatsoever in walking in 5" heels!

Camilla seems lovely. I didn't start watching SCD until around 2010/11 (the Anne Widdecombe year) so never saw her on the show. Not sure about the self-help twaddle though. Hopefully that won't be mentioned again! I liked it when she demonstrated what she meant. As a non-dancer I appreciate that.

I find Chizzy deeply irritating. I find Brian less irritating than I thought I would. I think they'll both leave before Halloween though. Aston for the final, surely...

This week's dances have been revealed. See here for dances and song choices.

twitter.com/bbcstrictly/status/912734785637801984

Thanks caveman Am sure someone called a Salsa to Despacito earlier in the thread when we were guessing song choices

Am a bit worried about Ruth's Charleston

Just looked at the link. What did Marian Keyes say about AJ on ITT to be called a "disgusting woman"

I believe it was me that called the Despacito Salsa Though based on the musical accent of the song I think it would actually suit a Samba better - Salsa is counted in 4 equal beats per bar whereas as traditional Samba timing is 2 beats per bar but broken down to 3/4, 1/4 and 1, if that makes any sense written down!

After working too many hours in the last few days I have finally caught up with the show and all the comments.

Love - Shirley as head judge, Debbie with Giovanni, Susan, Aston

Don't love - Kevin's moustache, Brian, AJ

Don't understand why we are stuck with AJ again when Neil Jones doesn't have a partner. I hope he gets a go one year. All the best people (my husband ) are called Neil!

Neil's an excellent choreographer, the celebrity paired with Katya basically get the benefit of Neil's choreography as well as Katya's! So I think Joe will do very well. Perhaps he doesn't want to dance with a partner?! The choice of foxtrot, charleston and quickstep dances in episode two seems too early?

I really like Katya and I thought her dances last year for Ed Balls were really pitched well for him. So I am guessing that's where his talents lie? I just thought having AJ sort of worked with the young gymnast but he just looks ridiculous with Mollie. She'd have been better with someone like Brendan.

Yes I think Charleston particularly silly for someone starting out because it has to be such a showcase of both dancing and acting / personality. People need a bit of time to settle in and build their confidence. Also I love Charleston and like to see it done well. I reckon Aston will do a fabulous Charleston this year though - he's got the right flair and personality for it.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor did her Charleston in week 2 though and I really enjoyed that. I still feel robbed that we didn't get to see her perform it in the final.

Yes I liked Aston too Moon he'll go far especially with Janette's help! Camilla was quite good on IT2 yesterday, her shoes were not quite as precipitous as on the first day!

They don't wear dancers shoes though Cave did you see the IT2 last year where one of the pros showed how they 'treat' their high heels to make them more comfortable to dance in? it was fascinating!