SCD '23 #19: In which we're crowning our Strictly champion!

[PolkadotsAndMoonbeams]

Previous thread here.

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I loved Layton (he and Nikita were my fave couple), but I agree that he should not have been part of a dancing competition.

But, I don't agree that his dances showed no progression. If you watch his early performance of Puttin' on the Ritz and compare it to his version in the final, it was better by miles. His frame, his head placement, his interaction with Nikita - all vastly improved.

So, yes, he had a huge advantage over the other contestants, but he did not come to the competition as a perfect ballroom dancer.

@cordelia16 my issue with Layton was that I felt that he could have done any of those dances to that standard before the show began. Yes he technically improved over the weeks, but the ability was there from the beginning

The first time I saw a change and improvement in him was his phenomenal Argentine tango - that was when I thought "he wouldn't have been able to do that beforehand"

Gawd rest dear Len and his pickled walnuts, he would most definitely not have put up with all the flatulating that goes on these days.

It would be nice if they went back to basics a bit, but I get that is not deemed progressive enough for the Beeb. I do see why they don't do the results on a Saturday though, they wouldn't be able to broadcast till 10.30pm (to allow for voting to be counted and verified) and as it's billed as a family show I can't see people being happy about their kids wanting to stay up that late!

Here's my pitch for a SCD mini-series/one-off: bring back some of the old Pros (Erin, Flavia, Karen Hardy, Ola, Lilia, Brendan, Vincent, James, Darren etc) and partner them with some of the recent celeb winners - a Champion of Champions if you like.

Now watching the last episode of Midsomer Murders.. A dancing one full of ex SCD stars. Fay Tozer, Natalie Gumede, Danny Mac and Tom. Chambers...

Oh and Cassidy Little..

Now realised it was from 2019 and ive seen it before!!

Just seen Aljaz is back as a pro this upcoming series!

Oh wow that's great

We'll need a 2024 thread soon @PolkadotsAndMoonbeams Exciting times!

That was good news on a rainy Monday

Oh God, I can't be the only one that was kinda glad not to have to see his gurning face!!! Like him, but thought the facial expressions became a bit much

My guess is that either
a) they've got a high profile older woman who wants The Full Anton Experience but Kai has thrown his toys out of the pram and demanded a girl group ringer
b) they've got a high profile man who wants a same sex partnership with a tall pro and for some reason Kai or Graz don't fit the bill
c) they want the happiest sunniest presence possible to deflect from The Unpleasantness with Gio/Amanda

Wonder when they will start announcing the celebrities? Can't be long.

I'm going with c @EvilRingahBitch

It was beginning of August last year so a few more weeks I think

I'm delighted. I love Aljaz 🤩

Hopefully this means Jones will be benched again!! 😉 😉

So thrilled by Aljaz coming back! I was expecting a very dull season without Gio.
But leaving and then coming back is a bit odd no? Is this the first time?

Snap! But delighted he’s back!

Possibly a bit odd, but he was doing a lot of the childcare when Janette has been working.

Delighted that he's back though, he is smiley and positive and very enthusiastic.

I was a bit miffed at the way Giovanni left. I always had my doubts about his personality but I think he was one of the better dancers and choreographers. I loved his partnership with Rose and he and Debbie McGee are my favourite cult Strictly couple of all time.

However, I absolutely bloody adore Aljaz and am delighted he is back. I guess they needed to shore up the fan favourites and have a pro who is guaranteed to be lovely to their celeb. I'm a little sorry for Aljaz, though, because he left thinking his role in Matilda would launch an acting career and then it got cut from the film. Still, we've reclaimed him.

Yes, ours not to reason why!

@Lentilweaver

On the UK show yes I think so but there's a distinct difference between left and shown the door.

I imagine someone like Kevin Clifton would also be welcomed back, Brendan, James and now Gio, definitely not

And at least Aljaz is a ballroom boy. That's just him and Nadiya out of all the pros. I like someone who gets excited about a foxtrot.

I also think c and am delighted! I will miss Gio though. I think that he and Debbie were my favourite pairing along with Johannes and Annabel and a couple of others.

Any good news on Amy? That would be a bonus!

Amy is expected back @PastorCarrBonarra on the press I read it said Karen Hauer becomes longest serving professional and Amy Dowden will return from her cancer treatment