Strictly 2026 : It’s Emma, Josh and JoJo

[EineReiseDurchDieZeit]

First thread of the year! Let us reconvene here for further discussions

That's why I said "it feels like a non-celebrity version to me" - I doubt I am that unusual though? They used to have older people on the show that everyone of a certain age would know of, Paul Daniels, Anneka Rice etc. Perhaps they're just keen on getting a younger audience.

Mel Walters confirmed just now.

Well, the "older" actress has just been confirmed.

I reckon the older potential contestants will have already been asked but declined.
I also think it is more to do with getting those who are fit to participate rather than deliberate ageism.

We had Tony Adams withdrawing due to an injury a few years ago and Stefan Dennis withdrew last year, again for health reasons. It's not surprising, as the training in Strictly is intense and physically demanding. Have you also noticed that celebrities like Annika Rice, Toyah Wilcox, Les Dennis barely make it past week 3, so either they are poor performers and more famous clearly doesn't mean more popular in the vote.

@xsquared Annika Rice was pissed off with her experience and said so IIRC she felt she could have been in longer if the producers hadn’t themed her so heavily

I’m looking forward to seeing Melanie Walters. She teaches yoga I believe so should be quite flexible!

We can't possibly know how far Anneka would have got but she has a point about forcing contestants into their boxes - a bit like Stefan with the Neighbours dance too, or Tony with the Match of the Day dance etc. It should be about transforming them out of their known role, not making a parody of it.

Didn't she go out on the Charleston? I haven't watched it back but from memory, it was very lacklustre and she barely moved. My guess is that it was not a suitable dance for her at that stage of the competition.

She wasn't very good though contestants stay in because of talent or likeability if you have neither you will go. The theming is inevitable really.

She said something like “I wanted to learn to dance and dress up, not run around in a tracksuit but the producers made me”

I do think that they shouldn’t force people to play up to some kind of stereotype of themselves but then I am very it SHOULD BE ABOUT THE DANCE not all the bollocks they try and shove in.

Tbf she could have said no challenge Anneka/Treasure hunt reference but she must have had an inkling that is why she was asked.

I think that Melanie could be good. I could see her doing a lovely, graceful dance, but as a comedy actor she’d be adept at the goofiness of the Charleston also. By all accounts she has the fitness for the training as well.

I hope we don’t have to cringe through “Stacey’s Mom”, though. And I hope we won’t get an omelette costume in Blackpool.

Stacey’s Mom a shoe in for a dance song lo

I hope not. That song is so pervy!

Not an omelette costume but definitely a frying pan prop, yellow dress or pinny and the song "How do you like your eggs in the morning?"
They may well have Rob Brydon in the audience one week as support and we'll have the Tony Beak impression.

Shoo! Shoo! This phrase has nothing to do with shoes!

Melanie is the contestant who I'm most interested in at the moment. Excellent signing! She was obviously wonderful in Gavin and Stacey, but I loved her in Death Valley, too. Someone on the Strictly team will sleep well tonight knowing that they've made MilkBreadToiletroll happy 😂

Total moot point ...
But I loved Death Valley !!

Very easy watching if anyone hasn't seen it yet .
Iplayer .

Yes, it's brilliant! New series coming soon too x

I agree it is great, not too taxing or "gritty".

I am 55 years old and hate doing the “who” comment but my god, who are all these people? Bar 3, I have no idea. I’ve just had to google Ellie Taylor for It takes 2. No idea! I must be old.

Fundamentally, as positive as many posters are trying to be, it is a weak year, and surprisingly so considering it’s a reboot year

As my username shows, I work with celebs and though I'm aware of some of these names it's a poor, poor lineup. I think anyone big is now committing to Traitors instead. The dancing will still be amazing but it's shocking the BBC couldn't find any decent signings.

I promise I'm not a plant with all my enthusiasm, but I think Ellie Taylor is perfect for ITT! Great news. I'm 45 so not a spring chicken 😆

Has Janette got any more jobs lined up?

She is in panto in Canterbury. It must be difficult as she has to stay home as a Mum while Aljaz is on strictly so can’t do another musical tour like Chicago last year but she also isn’t getting TV work. (She is very wooden, I love Strictly but stopped watching ITT last year cos it was so boring and predictable).

She does online stuff its all , #Ads she was flogging the company that did her Dds birthday party while saying it was all about "living in the moment ! " she is obviously trying to be an influencer. They also do appearances as a dance partnership they do fancy holiday resorts.

Tbf their families seem to come and help with childcare when they both work.