Couple's Choice

There hasn't been much of a change to the Strictly format for a while. The last new dance introduced was the Charleston, which joined the line-up in Series 7.

So this year, the couples can choose between three different dance styles outside of the usual 14. Sounds like more couples getting to dodge rumba, if you ask me.

The choices are contemporary, street/commercial and theatre and jazz.

This is actually an interesting development. While I am sure most of the pros will have dabbled with each of these styles - some of them have been incorporated into the Sunday pro numbers in recent years - they are probably not styles that the pros have had extensive training in.

I can't help wondering if the pros will receive choreographic assistance, as they do with Charleston and Argentine tango. Which may make for better routines all round. Some, like Katya, will probably be able to bring something interesting when let loose, but I wouldn't see someone like Anton having a good go at anything other than theatre and jazz.

Charles & Karen (street/commerical) and Lauren & AJ (contemporary) are the first to tackle these styles.

This is probably a great opportunity for Charles. He hasn't really found his groove with ballroom or latin, so perhaps this is the boost he needs to stay out of the dance-off this week.

I suspect that Laren & AJ will do something lyrical, and it may not be contemporary in the traditional sense.

I'll be watching with interest.