General Chat

I noticed that vito had hold of both Ellies hands all through the chats with the celebreties upstairs. Probably to stop her throwing her hands around in the air all the time.

Ooooh I had a numb bum by the end of it! It just went on and on.

I agree that there was a mixed bag, but some will rise and some will fall :-0

I think Karen was the best of the evening, and she looked genuinely surprised at all the nice comments :-)

I noticed that both Lewis and Amber were at great pains to point out they had no ballroom or latin experience although they had been in West End shows/ Dont know about that, perhaps I am being too critical.

Is Anton combing his hair forward? Maybe it was cut too short.

I thought that too about Ellie, she seems a bit overwhelmed with it all.

It certainly was, a marathon but good to have something decent to watch on a Saturday evening and I enjoyed it. Even Craig had a few nice things to say.

I did like Karen's Jive but wonder how she will cope with the 'daintier' dances. I find Carlos uncomfortable but that is probably just me getting used to him

Several of them showed potential. George, Amber, Lewis

And I think the new dance off judging procedure will be good.

Ellie enjoyed her dance but I think the long evening too much she started to look unhappy, and then disappeared from upstairs I think.

I didn't enjoy the opening number, thought it was weird and messy.

What a Marathon :-0

There are a lot of celebs with potential to do very well :-D

I liked, in no particular order
Alex's Viennese Waltz - slightly different take on the dance but she gave it a lot of drama as you would expect from as Actress.
George's American Smooth - I thought he did very well to do the lifts in Week 1.
Jimmy's Quickstep - with someone with his physic he did so well to be so light on his feet.
Karen's Jive - so quick and clean, her footballing background certainly held her in good stead. It will be interesting to see how she copes with the ballroom dances that are a lot slower.

There were some that surprised and others that disappointed but past series have seen those that disappointed step up to the mark ;-) :-D

I dont know the name Amber Davies, but she seems like a seasoned musical actress.

Dani Dyers replacement has been announced

Amber Davies, who is a Welsh actress, West End star and former Love Island winner is to replace Dani Dyer in the Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

Davies, who is also a podcaster, will make her Strictly debut on Saturday - the first live show of the series - and will be dancing the waltz with Nikita Kuzmin, having just started rehearsals with him.

She won Love Island in 2017 and has since had roles in musical theatre, including in Pretty Woman, 9 to 5: The Musical, and The Great Gatsby.

"This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life," the Welsh actress said.

"I've watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true."

Even get paid if they leave after the first week.

Blimey AnnG......a nice little earner :-0 :-D

This is just an excerpt from the DM on line. Interesting.

the celeb contestants are said to be paid the same flat fee each, starting at a minimum of £25,000 even if they leave in the first week.

If they make it to week four, they get an additional £40,000, and if they take part in the Blackpool special and the quarter final they get £60,000.

The semi-finalists reportedly bank £75,000 and the winner is said to get a massive £100,000.

The celebs are expected to train for up to 10 hours a day, six days a week with their professional partners before performing live on BBC One every Saturday.

As for the professionals who are paired up, they are expected to put hours of work into choreographing the routines.

Ann, You had more info than me. Thanks. <3

Yes to give them time to rehearse. good idea Belle.

As it is right at the beginning of the competition it wouldn't be unreasonable to give the replacement a 'pass' from this weekend's show :-)

Sorry MTG must have missed that post.

I did mention that in passing yesterday Ann, but more information has come out this morning. One is saying a broken ankle, and another report says fracture. But nevertheless, they will probably have another replacement waiting in the wings.

Apparently the rumour mill has said an actress from Waterloo Road is being lined up to replace Dani, but no firm news yet. :-0

Dani Dyer has been forced to withdraw from this year's Strictly Come Dancing after breaking her ankle. The TV personality and broadcaster said in statement she had a fall on Friday during rehearsals and "landed funny". She went on to say that doctors had advised her not to dance so she has had to pull out.

I do think that she should not dance this year, so many things can happen and they would bedevastated if it did, I am surprised that the programme producers allow it. Lifts could be so dangerous.

I read that Maddie....I'm surprised especially as she is dancing with an amateur when anything could happen :-0

I understand though there is another professional standing by.....I guess like last year when Amy had to withdraw :-0 :-0

Also professional dancer Dianne Buswell is expecting her first baby with Joe Suggs, but will continue dancing in Strictly. :-)

Hadn't read that Maddie :-0 :-0

Hope they can find a replacement :-0 :-0

Dani Dyer has had to pull out of the show due to injury. Not known yet if anyone will replace her :-0