It was heaven 17
WHAT a belter 2017 Strictly has turned out to be, with its best ever ratings – an average of 11 million viewers every Saturday night.
New head judge and former world Latin champion Shirley Ballas, despite initial reservations from Len lovers, has turned out to be rather good.
She’s delivered constructive and expert criticism rather than just rowing with Craig and shouting “SEVEN!” Sorry, Len.
Great to have the judging panel evened up with two men and two women again even if Darcey Bussell’s now a bit ruffled.
Dynamite Debbie did it for the older woman. She proved as fun and flexible as a woman half her age and it was great to see the former magician’s assistant positively purr in the arms of Italian stallion Giovanni who, at 27, is less than half her age. Strictly fans adore a dance romance and it wasn’t long before rumours of a fling between professional Northern lass Gemma Atkinson and professional dancer Gorka Marquez were swirling round the dance floor – even though they weren’t actually paired up. Better still, Strictly fans were treated to two romances this time. Step forward the other tangoing twosome and cutest couple of all, Mollie and AJ. No wonder she was happy to suggest to AJ they “up the hours” of rehearsal time. The pair practised for 300 hours and, as Claudia Winkleman cheekily pointed out live on air, “only half of that time was spent kissing.” It wasn’t all hearts and hugs this series. Unfortunately the usual ugly accusations of racism were thrown up again with everyone conveniently forgetting the current champion Ore Oduba is, in fact, er…black. First Chizzy Akudolu was voted out. We only needed one Holby City star thank you, BBC and Joe was better. Then ex JLS star Aston Merrygold, with Janette, left in a shockingly early elimination over Mollie King. What? I had him down as a definite finalist. Alexandra Burke was easily the most talented dancer of the series but that didn’t mean anybody actually liked her much. Twice in the dance-off it seems the viewers found her fake, despite topping the judge’s leaderboard. All that “humble me” faux modesty and sob story about her late mum – it’s not the X Factor – didn’t quite sit with the diva-like reputation and hunger to win. In the end it was Holby City actor Joe McFadden who ended up bookies’ favourite to lift the glitter ball trophy because he’s had “a journey” as they say in reality TV. Steadily improving each week, modest, charming and hugely likeable, he was bound to be a hit with the viewers, especially teamed up with Katya. The poor woman got Ed Balls last year for her debut. So if ever a professional dancer deserved a break it was her. Strictly 2017 has been a blast and I for one can’t wait for the next series.