Craig found it blocky and square, and needs to work on free arm and anticipating changes in direction. Bruno loved the attitude, but watch foot placement. Judges’ comments: Shirley praised her cheekiness, but needs a straight standing leg.
Song: “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back”, Shawn Mendes
But some nice partnering, rhythm and performance that bodes well. Unsurprisingly, somewhat forced and awkward (particularly as teatime viewing), but did distract from standard Week 1 cha cha crimes like leaden, fudged footwork and bent legs. Mind, Aljaž’s forced enthusiasm was pretty much matched by Gemma’s when she learned that the theme of their cha cha was “Struggling with overt sexuality? Now you have to dance like J Lo! Next to bootylicious Aljaž!”. Gemma Atkinson, Aljaz Skorjanec – (C) BBC – Photographer: Guy LevyĪh, welcome back the “My celeb has early starts and I get to join them! Yay!!” trope.
Still, squeezing all the couples into one programme did mean minimal faff and filler, and a good chance to assess a promising crop of celebs.
And we’re off! Strictly Come Dancing Series 15 began its competitive shows with a marathon episode that gave viewers at home a little competition of their own: posterior versus seat.