The opening pro-judge dance was everything Strictly should be; proper old-skool camp, kitsch Come Dancing. Reminiscent of the Bruno Sings! routine. Wasn't it great that each dance was a recognisable style and only danced by three couples? Normally those routines are so manic and too busy to really see what's going on. Arm-hankies!
Karen! I was a bit bamboozled that they were leaving the non-dancey sporty woman till the end but that was exactly the kind of surprise that Strictly exists for. I've gone from being not bothered to loving her.
Lewis! Hello, young man! If only Katya was as ruthlessly, nakedly ambitious as Aliona and that hair would be gone by week three. I mean, Aliona would put Night Nurse in his Lucozade and go at him with a pair of scissors.
I think they are (mostly) a likeable bunch and it's going to be really sad to lose (most) people. Pleasantly surprised by Jimmy and George. Really liked Harry, Ellie, Stefan, La Voix and Balvinder.
Ellie's secret weapon was the way she really committed to the dance and threw herself into it. Much easier to watch than some of the more careful but nervy and self-conscious performances. I thought the judges were too harsh with their marks (as they were for most people) and I hope it doesn't crush her confidence.
Alexis and Julian seem like good additions. Good to see Amy match fit and Kai unleashed.
I think the producers may have been clever in partnering Aljaz with someone who might temper all his 'Get in!' stuff and maybe restore him to the old Aljaz.
Main take of the night - Ross has a girlfriend? That's Ross's girlfriend?!!!! (Googles Ross) He's been married twice before and those were his wives?!!!!!!!! Jowita's safe. She's too friggin' old and dowdy for him. I think this is what they call a paradigm shift.