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I miss old strictly

168 replies

DawnieOwl · 07/10/2023 21:45

Don't get me wrong, we are still big strictly fans in my house, but I cant help but feel that strictly has changed somewhat and pine for those old days. The days of Craig, Len, Darcy and Bruno, the days where movie week dances actually felt cohesive and every dance worked with the chosen film, the days where Anton danced with the older woman, the days where the celebrities would be paired with a member of the opposite sex, even the gay celebrities, the days where the strictly spoiler wasn't all over the Internet, and the days where the judges were allowed to be harsh without a woke social media backlash. Me and my whole family are still big fans but I can't help feeling like the last few years have definitely changed, and it will never be the same strictly experience.

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AzureBlue99 · 07/10/2023 22:42

SCD was a glamorous and glittery show. A bit of escapism. But the BBC does what it always does and shoehorns in their agenda. So it becomes less about escapism, just agenda setting. From the moment Michelle Visage appeared it was clear they were going to push drag, like they do on every other show. This week they went all out, they won't rest until Layton or a copycat wins. Same as Sewing Bee, celebrity Masterchef etc. It has become "I will have it on in the background" rather than must see tv. No longer escapism, just part of someone else's agenda. Time moves on, I just think this show is no longer for me. Others like it. (It is one of those shows has been on too long. That's another BBC thing, flogging something to death.)

SquishyGloopyBum · 07/10/2023 22:42

Oh god yes, the CGI too. It's awful and cringy.

ThePoshUns · 07/10/2023 22:44

I preferred it when they all did the same dance each week. Was fat easier to compare and score.

SirChenjins · 07/10/2023 22:46

Agree it was easier to compare the dances when they all did the same one. I suppose it’s just to bring in a bit of variety each week with the couples doing a different dance.

AzureBlue99 · 07/10/2023 22:48

Also the histrionics of the women judges (the present ones) but this year they seem to have calmed down. Bruno used to grind my gears for same reason.

NauseousNancy · 07/10/2023 22:49

Someone should tell Peter Andre’s wife 🤣

allovertheshopfloor · 07/10/2023 22:49

Things move on and the essence of the show is the same which is why it remains so popular. The format is virtually unchanged.

I'm surprised you miss Darcy Bussell as she was never a ballroom specialist and whilst she was perfectly nice, her feedback never felt authentic as a result. Motse is just lovely, fair and invested in her comments, plus she has the ballroom background in her bones.

I do agree that it was easier to follow and judge (as a layperson) when there were particular dances each week. Also I have always thought the show would benefit from Bake Off style snippets where one of the professionals or judges explains the key elements of the dance eg a foxtrot or whatever, so you have an idea what to be looking for.

I don't understand why the same sex couples would cause bother to anyone.

Thisismynewusername1 · 07/10/2023 22:52

Oh I thought this was going to be about the proper old school Come Dancing.

much better, and without all the c-list celeb nonsense.

I was very young at the time but remember the Blackpool ballroom and used to love the “team” dance with all the formations etc.

SirChenjins · 07/10/2023 22:55

That’s dancing together as in side by side, rather than partnering each other in a formal dance with specific male/female roles - 2 very different things.

I agree with a pp who said they should remain in the male/female role and not swap as the other dancers don’t.

Inkanta · 07/10/2023 22:55

I miss Bruce and his jokes and Len and his 'faffing' remarks and Flavia and Vincent dancing Argentine tango.

Terfosaurus · 07/10/2023 22:57

TbF it's perfectly normal within the Latin/Ballroom world for 2 women to dance together. There aren't enough men to go around, so unless you're at the very top level you aren't going to have a male partner.
2 men together wouldn't happen though. Although I do like to see how it changes the dynamic.

I also preferred it when there were 2 different dances per week and each couple did one of those. Plus they were actually recognisable as the dances I grew up doing. These days it seems to be more show than actual Ballroom steps.

AzureBlue99 · 07/10/2023 22:59

I miss Len. I even miss Bruce. And Brendan - and never thought I would say that. The pro dancers are now interchangeable. I know Giovanna, Katya, Kai and Diane.

threecupsofteaminimum · 07/10/2023 22:59

Gotta move with the times babes!

DinaofCloud9 · 07/10/2023 23:00

Yes I miss it too. The dresses used to be amazing and the music would fit the tune. I don't want to see Giovanni dressed as a bear or whatnot.

I dont miss Darcey but i do miss Len with his ballroom knowledge.

AzureBlue99 · 07/10/2023 23:00

Oh no, not babes. Hun.

Zonder · 07/10/2023 23:00

Some things I miss but not Bruno. Yay for Anton the judge!

callmej · 07/10/2023 23:00

Not watched it in years; I didn't like Shirley so only sat through one year of her and left when Darcey did - I loved Darcey, Len, Craig and Bruno together. But even then it just went on sooo long, I only watch about 30 minutes of tv a day and just the main show would take up my entire week's telly time! And the interesting pre-dance clips of how the couple had fared in the week turned into them going on rollercoasters or to the zoo etc, I couldn't see the point of that. Was really good for a few years though.

AzureBlue99 · 07/10/2023 23:00

Yeah, Bruno is not missed.

foxlover47 · 07/10/2023 23:01

I know we move with the times etc but I do miss the golden days of Bruce and Len , ola and James , Kristina and Brian fortuna , Brendan ...

MeinKraft · 07/10/2023 23:08

I like it more. It's less about the fake tan and sparkles now and I definitely don't miss Bruce Forsyth.

CumbersomeRobes · 07/10/2023 23:09

I miss the old pro routines where we saw beautiful ballroom or perfectly in sync Latin dances (the jive to rebel yell is my cheer up watch on you tube). There was a lovely routine the other week but mostly we get music video routines with all the pros on the floor and it's just so overcrowded.

I do not miss Bruno and I do love Anton as a judge. I really liked Darcey and her relationship with Craig.

Maybe it's just been going on too long? As much as I love it, it's not a must watch in our house any more.

mehday · 07/10/2023 23:10

I didn’t see the first couple of years, who were the original judges, wasn’t Arlene one?

fivelilducks · 07/10/2023 23:12

SarahLKelp · 07/10/2023 21:52

I miss the days of all male female dancing couples as well. I think because Strictly for me always felt a bit like a reincarnation of a past time to when ballroom dancing was more of a thing, and the whole show reflected that era. Now it feels slightly more politically charged, and as though the BBC has missed the point. The point of dancing partnerships isn't about being potentially sexually attracted to one another it's a male lead with a female and that's how the dances are designed. I know that won't be a popular opinion among many, but I wish it was more about the dancing in that sense.

Welll put, I agree

IncognitoMam · 07/10/2023 23:16

Argentine tango started as men dancing together.

But I do agree it has lost its shine. Tonight seemed disjointed. Strange voting. Movie night used to be better than that.

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