Strictly am shocked *No spoilers* - edited by MNHQ

[incognitomum]

I thought Mike would go? She didn't put a foot wrong.

I think that Emma should have gone - she didn't dance well and didn't look like she was putting any effort into it.

I reckon the 3 finalists would be Karim, Kelvin and Michelle.

I'm not sure about Michelle. I think it will be Mike 😂 (not really)

I think Alex has a shot at the final of she continues to improve.

I don't think it's about Mike... I think Katya has some dirt on Shirley!

Karim is too good a dancer, he’s predictable. too sickly sweet for me.

I like Kelvin saffron & Chris

Kelvin to win

I read on DS that it is likely that Karim is probably going to get 40 for his Viennese waltz this weekend and I can't disagree. But it irks me as I really want Kelvin to be the first one to get 40

I'm comforting myself that the ones that score early 40s don't always win!

Just catching up with thread so apologies if someone’s already asked... what would be your dream judging panel for next year?

Mine would be:
Head judge: Craig
Arlene Phillips (back from the wilderness)
James Jordan (ditto)
Karen Hardy

OR

Craig
Kevin Clifton
Blonde Australian Natalie
Erin Boag

God that song by Emeli Sande was boring, glad they had the dancers to look at. Hope that’s not released as a radio single I’ll be turning over every time!

Craig
Motsi
Karen Hardy
Anton or Brendan

And my prediction for this year’s final is:

Karim
Alex
Chris

Whoops

Ooh, I forgot about Brendan! He can do alternate weeks with JJ

Head judge: Craig
Arlene Phillips (back from the wilderness)
Karen Hardy
Erin Boag

Darcey as an occasional guest judge. I like her!

I think that Michelle is very good. She tries so hard with every dance. Can't say that I warm to her though -- another, pushy, must get my own way, loud American.

My dream judging panel would be:

Craig
Katya Virshilis
DanceMaster Carmen (head judge)
Bruno (for the Monkseal blog lols - wouldn’t be the same without him)

Craig is my favourite judge out of the current ones, so he can stay.

It would be great to see either Karen Hardy or Erin Boag there because they know their stuff, bring the ballroom knowledge (to counteract Craig's theatrical background) and are both firm but fair. Having seen them both on Choreography Corner, I don't think either of them would have their favourites (and non favourites) colouring their judgement, unlike Shirley

Brenda and JJ might be too arsy and confrontational for their own good, but until you see them in that position, it's hard to tell. I haven't seen Brenda judging in Australia. They've both burned their bridges with Strictly anyway

I didn't watch when Arlene was a judge. Wasn't she quite strict? Although, didn't she have her favourites she used to swoon over aswell (Mark Ramprakash)?

Ian Waite might have been quite good, again - good knowledge. But he's probably more suited to ITT these days.

Talking of how many couples in the final, wasn't there only two the year Ola Chops won with Chris Hollins vs Natalie Lowe and Ricky Whittle?

Other finals have been 3 couples, with one being eliminated half way through, for example, JJ and Pamela Stephenson going out, leaving Matt and Aliona vs Artem and Kara. They used to dance more dances in the final than they do now, iirc.

Not James Kordan! I used to really like him but after following him on Twitter I found him bitter and nasty.

Karen Hardy would be brilliant. I would like someone who doesn't fancy all the lovely boys for balance! Maybe someone who doesn't fancy any of them....

I’m out of synch here as Karen Hardy used to do my head in on Choreography Corner! Erin would be good though.

Talking of how many couples in the final, wasn't there only two the year Ola Chops won with Chris Hollins vs Natalie Lowe and Ricky Whittle?
I think so. And come to think of it, was Mark R's final a two-couple one as well? (can't remember the other couple). I seem to remember it was pretty dull just watching the two of them over and over. Exhausting for them too, obviously.

I'd forgotten about Katya Virshilis! She's HILARIOUS. Reminds me, Iveta was fantastic too. Mad as a box of frogs. Loved her.

I liked Katya V when she was a pro - her with Gavin was hilarious - but I thought she was pretty poor in Choreography Corner the other week.

Darlingnikita

Yes, I’d like to see Darcy pop in and out.... also Yvette (Lucashuta? Or something like). She was great, wasn’t she, I never understood why she disappeared so suddenly.

Was is Matt the ex rugby player up against Mark Ramprakash?

It was Matt vs Alesha, no?

Bluffinwithmymuffin, yes, that's Iveta's name! I'd forgotten that. Used to love the way Zoe Ball said it.

Lukosiute, apparently.

I still miss Flavia.

Nikita

I was nearly right then

100%
Was Matt same year as Alesha? I’m probably completely wrong but I remember him being in an all male final

They ought to re-run every series of Strictly from day one in a special box set on iplayer then once a year when we’re in Strictly mode we could relive our faves.