Tuesday Chatter: Week 1 Show 1

I'm back from my holiday and all caught up on everything Strictly, so it's time to post my thoughts about the new series so far.

Everyone is loving Darcey Bussell, yeah? She's really good, yeah? OK, annoying intonation aside (clearly she has spent too much time in Oz), I think Darcey is brilliant. She's great at giving the participants things to correct, and is encouraging to all of them. She adds balance to the panel. She is excellent, and people might finally stop asking when Arlene will come back.

Anyway, on the to dancing!

Fern & Artem were first on the floor with their cha cha, which is always tough. I felt that Fern's excitement was getting the better of her, and made her lose it. She has some ability, and it was a solid start, but she needs to watch her timing. She seemed too lost in the moment and the whole experience of the thing.

Despite the judges' comments, I thought Nicky & Karen made a solid start with the waltz. Nicky needs to pull his shoulders back and make sure he lowers through his feet completely, but a good effort.

Michael & Natalie's waltz routine was lovely. Michael does have a tendency to race ahead of the music. Like Nicky, he needs to pull his shoulder back, but he was pretty elegant.

Victoria & Brendan has lots of timing issues in their cha cha. The concentration was all over Victoria's face. She needs to watch her long arms. It was a tricky rountine, and she'll probably be more confident in the ballroom hold.

Colin & Kristina made an excellent start. Their cha cha was well controlled and neat. I think he'll quietly do well.

Denise & James also made an excellent start. Their waltz was elegant, graceful and controlled. Denise has lovely lines. She has the potential to go all the way, as long as the public don't get bored with her. She's so good that there's not much room for a journey.

Here are the videos:

Fern & Artem



Nicky & Karen



Michael & Natalie



Victoria & Brendan



Colin & Kristina



Denise & James