Sunday Service: Week 1

It's finally here! It's been a long year, and a late start for our favourite show, but finally Strictly is here.

Jamie & Karen were up first with a cha cha. I was so excited that Eurovision favourite Think About Things was in this week's show (if you haven't seen the Strictly version of the iconic video, check it out here). Unfortunately, Jamie's dancing didn't live up to the song. His timing was off at the beginning, although it did improve as soon as he came together with Karen. The New Yorkers and spin turn at the beginning were decent. Some parts were OK, his arms were a bit wayward in places. The 'freestyle' parts looked the most comfortable. I think he has a lot to work on.

Caroline & Johannes' American smooth was very classy. Beautiful lines, light and elegant. I loved Caroline's emotion. That's how dancing should make you feel. I want to see Caroline work on her footwork. There weren't enough heel leads on the forward steps, which is probably because she's used to ballet where everything is on the toes.

Max & Dianne did well for week 1. I wasn't that excited about the song choice for a tango, but they made it work. Despite all the talk about his frame in the VT, Max's top line still needs work. He needs to pull his shoulders back further. However, his timing was good. He has a lot of potential.

Clara & Aljaž's cha cha was very assured and comfortable. Decent technique, good timing. I'm excited to watch Clara progress through the competition as she grows in confidence. A strong start.

Performing the foxtrot in week 1 is quite a challenge. It's a very technical dance. Jacqui at least had the safety of dancing with Anton. She was better than she looked in the launch show, but there were a lot of issues here. Her footwork was weak. I have never seen a heel turn executed so badly. I didn't like the top hats and canes section, as it made it feel like American smooth. It didn't glide at all. I am already cringing at the thought of this pair doing latin.

JJ & Amy's waltz was calm and relaxed. Very sweet. His top line was decent, although his shoulders could have been further back. I think he has a lot of potential, certainly in the ballroom.

Maisie & Gorka's samba was on point. It was incredible. Her lines were gorgeous. Brilliant leg action and placement. Lots of classic samba steps, samba rolls, natural rolls, voltas, botofogos, all amazing. A very strong start. In a normal series, it might be a disadvantage as the audience tires of a strong couple, but in this short series I don't think it will matter.

Jason & Luba's American smooth was sweet. I liked the 1950s theme, and Jason aced those moves. Like Craig, I wish the routine had included more foxtrot content to really get to see more of Jason's potential, but the routine showed off his personality. Lots of facial expressions in there. The lifts were comfortable. I can't wait to see him do something straighter.

The paso is a tough dance to get in week 1. I loved how Ranvir was out there at the start of the number, and Giovanni kept her front and centre throughout the routine. She owned the floor - I never expected that level of confidence from her. There's lots to work on for sure, but a good start. I loved how surprised Giovanni was with the scores.

If the paso if a tough dance for week 1, the quickstep could be tougher. Nicola looked good, but seemed to struggle with the timing on some of the longer phrases - they didn't always move up and down as one. Katya's choreography was great. I can't wait to see what else she comes up with.

Bill & Oti's cha cha was heaps of fun. I smiled while watching it. Bill's timing is excellent, as you'd expect from a musician. Some of his technique was interesting, but his energy was impeccable. He's a joy to watch.

Harvey & Janette's jive was high energy, and he kept the energy throughout. He looked at ease. Great timing. There wasn't much to find fault with. I'd like to see him perform outwards a little more. The first half of the dance, he seemed to be looking to Janette too much - he needs to balance performing to his partner with performing to the audience. The second half of the routine, he seemed to nail that a bit better. Maybe it was just nerves, and he improved as he got into it.

It was a strong first week, and aside from the weird, dystopian, clear-fronted face coverings the the audience members were wearing, it felt like the same Strictly as always.

It's really hard to choose favourites at this point, as I liked so many of them for different reasons. Yes, Maisie and Harvey were the best dancers, but I loved Bill, Caroline, Clara and Nicola.

The weakest were probably Jamie and Jacqui, but all that could change with next week's routines.

Strictly is back, baby!