DVD Review: Anton's Truly Madly Strictly

For the past several years, there has been a festive Strictly DVD release fronted by a famous Strictly face. This year, it is Anton's turn to host a compilation - Anton's Truly Madly Strictly.

As there have been several compilations already, the focus is very much on recent series, and many of the dances are from 2018.

Having hosted several TV shows of his own, he is a confident presenter. You might think that a DVD hosted by Anton would have a heavy ballroom focus, but that's not the case at all, although that is where we start.

Anton then presents some of his favourite show dances, featuring Faye & Giovanni, Joe & Dianne, Caroline & Pasha and Tom & Camilla among others.

There's a section on some surprises. This is a nice feature which includes Jake & Janette's showstopping salsa and a couple of turning points - namely Charles & Karen's street/commercial and Natasha & Brendan's samba, both of which were key routines for the respective couples.

There are a couple of other sections, but I don't want to give too much away.

Of course, no Anton DVD would be complete without a look back at some of Anton's most memorable partners, and he chooses his most memorable routine. I'm sure you can guess which one he picked!

The DVD also has extras, my favourite of which was a look at the Rivoli Ballroom which is the setting for the DVD. Anton shares some memories of competing at this iconic venue. I grew up less than two miles from the Rivoli, and it pains me that I have still never been inside. It's used for social dances, competitions and lots of filming. It's instantly recognisable, and despite often being under threat of closure, it still continues to survive.

If you have some Christmas money or vouchers to spend, you could do worse than to spend it on an afternoon with an icon on Strictly Come Dancing and enjoy some excellent routines from recent years.

Not convinced? Watch the trailer:



Disclosure: Thank you to the nice folks at BBC Studios for supplying a copy of the DVD for me to review.