Express columnist Debbie McGee is sharing all her thoughts on Strictly (Image: Express )
Strictly Come Dancing is really upping its game. Everyone brought it to the table last night; it was a truly fabulous episode. It is unusual to see such a high-quality group of people this early in the series. I felt so sorry for Stefan during his dance, there is always a week where the nerves will get to you. All it takes is one mistake, and then suddenly you make a few because your rhythm is thrown off. You get very stuck in your head, and it’s very easy to fall out of sync, which he did with Dianne, but I still thought it was a lovely dance.
I noticed some backlash to the criticism Motsi gave to Dianne and Stefan about rehearsing more, but I have actually been enjoying the judges’ constructive criticism. I think the comments are very fair, and they strike a good balance of not knocking their confidence while also giving them something to work on. What Motsi said is only what you’d naturally say when someone stumbles, but the judges don’t know how much time each couple spends on rehearsals each week, and maybe that would change their comments. Dianne and the viewers must remember that it is a competition, and the judges are there to be honest.
I really hope Stefan doesn’t let it get to him and can continue his journey on the show. Dianne has been an absolute trooper for doing so much while pregnant; she is incredible. I got why she responded why she did; it is easy for professionals to be protective of their partners, and the week can be very draining. However, I must say that so far, the judges have been spot on this year.
Some fans were frustrated with the remark Dianne and Stefan got (Image: BBC)
Tom Skinner was a sight to behold in those shiny silvery trousers! They seem to be the trend of the year. To be honest, if I hadn’t been told it was a Salsa, I couldn’t really see it because there are certain steps that should be visible in it. However, we must remember that he is a market trader, not a dancer, and he did appear to be genuinely enjoying it. One thing to love about Strictly is the variety of people you get on the show, and he did seem like he was having a great time.
I saw what Nadiya said in an interview about celebrities with dance experience having an advantage over those with none, and that is why they will leave earlier. I see what she is saying, but it has always been the case that they’ve mixed people with no experience whatsoever and people who have had experience, because even the year I did it, Joe McFadden won, who was fantastic but didn’t have any dance training.
Nadiya spoke out to defend her partner Chris Robshaw (Image: BBC )
A lot of actors have dance experience because of theatre school, but that doesn’t make them ballroom trained, and not everyone who has won the show has had dance training before; it all depends on the individual and their journey. It seems like just another case of a professional dancer being protective of their partner, which is understandable, but there are plenty of people who could win this year who haven’t danced before.
Ross King’s dance was so lovely, too. It left me in tears when he spoke about his mum and dad; it was a very lovely tribute. I felt that the dance held a lot of meaning for him, and hopefully, viewers can see that too. Last week, I said he was in danger of being left behind, and I can only hope people vote for him. He got a low score, and I feel like his confidence has been knocked so much, but I think he can bounce back. I think he deserves at least another week to show what he is capable of.
