I'm loving the series, so many awesome dancers and I don't mind the new head judge Aston should never have gone so early and one of my faves to win, Davood, left last week.
I was sad that Davood went last week too. Aston going so early was such a shock.
I loved Susan and Kevin because Susan was so happy to be there and their performances were always so entertaining but they were never going to win. I was a fan of Jonnie Peacock too.
I think perhaps I'd like Joe to win out of those left. I like it better when the celebs haven't had any dancing training before - it makes their journey watching them improve each week all the more special.
Joe is my fave now too Rosie, although I think either Alexandra or Debbie could win, as they are both excellent dancers.
What a fab-u-lous semi final tonight! It's well known around these parts that I'm rather partial to an argentine tango, and Joe and Katyas' was my fave dance of the night, just loved it. It may not have been technically perfect but the choreography and the drama, stunning. The only couple who I loved both dances from were Gemma and Aljaž tonight, Gemma's rumba was a real surprise and their tango was so full of attack, very compelling. I've been a real supporter of Mollie and AJ throughout, and loved their Grease routine last week, but tonight was not their night.. and it may well be them going home this time.
So, what did we all think of the Strictly final and the winner? They were all worthy of the glitterball really, but on the night, I felt Alexandra danced the best!
It was a series where all four finalists were so good and I wouldn't have minded if any of them had won. I was pleased that Joe won because I prefer them not having had previous dance experience and seeing them progress.
Mega fan of Strictly here! I love this time of year, mainly because of it!
I'm avidly watching - it may be a bit early for favourites, there seems to be a lot of promise right across the board! I'm rooting for Lauren Steadman though, and Stacey Dooley.
How about you all? Anyone else watching this year's comp?
Another fantastic Strictly tonight! I think the standard already seems pretty high with a couple of exceptions.
Dr Ranj has lots of energy and seems to be really enjoying himself! I'm a fan of Stacey Dooley's documentaries so I'd like to see her do well. I admire how Katie Piper has made a terrible experience into something positive and inspirational so it's a shame that she's finding it difficult to control her nerves.
It looks like your prediction was right Rosie, I felt for Susannah, but also couldn't watch as she forgot her steps on Saturday night!
Talking of steps, I really loved Faye and Giovanni's routine! My faves are still Lauren Steadman and Stacey Dooley. Danny (the cat) is becoming my fave male, but I was shocked when Lee was in the dance off - his routine was pretty slick!
I would have thought Lee would have lots of fans from his Blue days. I thought it might have been Susannah and Seann in the dance off so I was really surprised.
Tiny claim to fame - Faye's sister was the president of our Students' Union when I was a first year at university!
Aw Seann is such a bundle of sprightly energy! Why do they have to send someone home? Why can't they all just stay in and have the chance to get better and better each week and have one massive sparkly finale extravaganza at the end!
Ooh, so you have a sort of personal link to this year's strictly Rosie - very
Movie week is a fave, along with the Halloween Special!
Forgot to add in my last post - not sure if it's me, but I seem to be out of sync with some of the scoring. Some of the dancers that I felt were excellent had lower scores than those who I felt were not as good perhaps. For example, Joe scoring more highly than some of the other male dancers?
I'm not sure about the scoring. I know each series there are complaints about the scoring. I always think the first few weeks are about 'settling' in and getting an idea of the dancers' level of skill. I would like to hope the judging is based purely on achievement in each dance.
True. Obvs we're not experts on the steps and technique, but usually I can kind of see where the scoring is coming from. I'm pretty good at spotting the kicks and flicks, the straight legs (usually lack of where required), the hip action (usually lack of), the top line, the core, the hands, the toe / heel leads, the musicality, the energy, the performance level, the level of 'content'... (Thank you Strictly! Look at what you have taught me!)
God yes, Seann's 'The Matrix' Paso was a delight! what a fantastic film choice and the whole costume / choreography - brilliant.
I have been a bit anti Ashley as she seems to have more experience than the others, (not her fault and it happens every year but it does make it an uneven playing field), but their 'Dirty Dancing' routine had me grinning and clapping! The lift!
And not to mention Kate & Aljaz's 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' Foxtrot! I felt for her when she tripped on the step, but talk about a transformation!
I really loved Stacey and Kevin's foxtrot (they are still one of my faves), Faye and Giovanni's Rumba (not an easy dance to do, but she was brilliant!) and Danny and Amy's Viennese Waltz - Danny has such poise! Ranj was captivating in the Paso Doble and Lauren and AJ's quickstep was ace, I really felt for Lauren with the footwork though. I'm a sucker for a tango and did enjoy Ashley and Pasha's version, with the Argentine Tango hints. To be honest, what was not to love about it ALL.... but Kate had a bad night and might be in the bottom two tonight.
Week five already! This is the first week that the new 'Couples Choice' category is introduced - that will be either Contemporary, Street/Commercial, or Theatre/Jazz. I am a fan of the new category, but only if there is still just as much Argentine Tango!
It was sad to see Katie go last week, I felt like she was beginning to feel more comfortable, confident and was gradually improving. Kate had the worst week, but had done so well in previous weeks, it would have been a tragedy to see her go. Lots of strong dancers this year, it is hard to guess how the competition is going to go!
Another incredible show on Saturday night, loved the first street dance and the fitst contemporary dance. I must have been off my game though, because I totally disagreed with the judges on several occasions! Loved Lauren and AJs dance, comparing her scores to some others makes no sense to me! I cannot believe that Vick and Graziano are out of the competition, she's an amazing dancer and I thought the judges were harsh about her cha cha, i def saw some straight leg and body action!
Danny is still up there with my faves and he received the first 10 of the series - so well deserved!
Danny's jive was incredible! I also loved Stacey's samba and Charles's street dance. I don't really know about technique but if I find myself applauding then I know I really enjoyed it!
Aston should never have gone so early and one of my faves to win, Davood, left last week. 
I love this time of year, mainly because of it!
Movie week is a fave, along with the Halloween Special!
about it ALL.... but Kate had a bad night and might be in the bottom two tonight.
