I miss old strictly

[DawnieOwl]

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.

I used to enjoy when Darcey would occasionally forget herself and get a bit laddish

I loved Oti and I miss her. But she was never going to better her year with Bill Bailey.

Lampzade I agree about Darcey. She just talked way too much. I used to watch on catch up and fast forward over her talking, saved myself about half an hour ☺️

I totally agree. I used to love it but it’s lost something. It’s very fake, nobody can say anything negative, just lost something along the way. Can’t get invested this year.

When I miss the old strictly its just a nostalgic thing. Its been going a lot of years and there's a lot of good memories. But to be honest I don't think it's changed a lot and I'm glad it's still going strong. Always look forward to watching - and I particularly missed it during Lockdown and appreciated it when it was back.. I really like Anton as a judge by the way - he knows his stuff and very funny. I also like the more mellow softer Craig. Shirley can be the caustic one these days but she's not been too bad this season. Lots to like ..

Sadly, I agree.

I can't summon the enthusiasm this year - I still do love Anton as a judge (and Motsi has been much better this season - proper constructive comments).

I think this will probably be my last ne, which is a shame as I used to love it (Mind - I said that last year . . . )

I went down a strictly rabbit hole on you tube last night.
I watched James Jordan / Hello critique- I do like his reviews.
Then went on to look for his dances.
This rumba with Ola is insane- and yes there's a catsuit!

Yes I’m sure that in the old days all the couples either did a waltz or a cha cha cha for their first dance and vice versa the following week. No one did a Charleston or Argentine tango in the first few shows. The6 were see as a reward for progressing further in the show.

They definitely did those two first; I presume they're seen as easier dances, relatively speaking.
I seem to remember the AT didn't get introduced until a few seasons in, and the Charleston later again; did they bring in Charleston in the same year as CC?

Couples choice was later.

The Charleston was series seven, and I think only half did that and the other half did rock 'n' roll.

AT was series four I think — the series they recruited Vincent and Flavia anyway! And AS maybe the same year? I definitely remember it in series 5.

This is how it worked in Series 7.

I'm still wondering about the cricketer mentioned upthread who was performing a sexy routine whilst his wife was in the audience. I can't remember anything like that, can anybody tell me who it was?

I don't remember the rock 'n' roll thing at all. So it was an alternative to a Charleston? Did they do it for like one season and then quietly retire it?

Yes, a one-series wonder I think!

I watched that series but don't remember that at all! Wonder if they ditched it thinking it was just too similar to the jive?

And Anton should not have been made a judge. He should have been sacked for calling his dance partner a Paki in 2009.

One of my highlights from recent years is the ‘He’s a Pirate’ dance with John and Johannes. I watch it every now and again, it makes me feel so happy 😊

I miss the old days where people just danced in sparkly outfits and the camera work showed you all of the dancers bodies. No punning themed music, no faffing around at the start of the routine, no distracting CGI or zooming in so tight you can't see the footwork or even the celebrity.

I also miss Ola and Brendan and especially Oti.

OTOH I'm very happy with same sex couples because it's given us the lovely Layton whose dancing makes me happy. I don't think he would be as good if he had been paired with a woman.