My Strictly dream team for 2019. So who would be on yours?
STRICTLY Come Dancing is fabulously feelgood TV. A bewitching blend of razzledazzle, colourful characters and family fun. It combines the fizz and sparkle of a glass of champagne with the soothing powers of a hot bath. From the judges to the barely- there sequined dresses (just the right side of sexy), to the real emotion generated by the performances, this is truly RollsRoyce television.
We are regularly told the era of family TV is dead. We now prefer bingeing on box-sets or watching Netflix.
But Strictly keeps defying the trend and more than 12 million people tuned in to this year’s final. My little one and his friends bounced up and down shouting at the TV, predicting the scores.
Six months ago I’d never heard of Stacey Dooley. Last weekend I could have cried with her dance partner Kevin Clifton as she hoisted the Glitterball trophy aloft.
And apart from the Queen’s Speech, the only must-see TV show for us on Tuesday is the Strictly Christmas Special.
Eyes are already on the 2019 cast and, after criticisms of a lack of big names this year, they’ve already hooked Chris Evans. Here’s who I’d like on my Strictly 2019 dream team:
Theresa May. Our PM is a must. She has already proved her dancing prowess, likes a sparkly top, and something tells me she might have plenty of time on her hands next autumn.
Melania Trump. I’m fascinated to know what (if anything) is behind her sphinxlike expression, and seeing POTUS watching FLOTUS twirling in her handsome partner’s arms would be priceless.
Sir Philip Green. You always need a lame duck who can’t dance and needs to shed a few pounds. With stouty, shouty Phil, you get a bargain two for the price of one.
Jose Mourinho. The Narcissistic One’s very high opinion of himself is guaranteed to rile Craig Revel Horwood, who already regards himself as Strictly’s Special One.
Professor Brian Cox. The physicist and star man is Liam Gallagher with manners – and a brain. A guaranteed favourite of Bruno Tonioli.
Jacob Rees-Mogg. Arch-Brexiteer and MP for the 19th Century has been putting on his top hat, tying up his white tie, brushing off his tails since he was a toddler. Would be the ultimate dance-off against Mrs May.
Fergie. The Duchess of York is a huge fan of the tango and has said she would love to learn the sensuous Argentine dance. Luckily, Anton du Beke loves a challenge…
Jeremy Clarkson. The great pot-bellied beast of Chipping Norton, fag in hand, bottle of rosé on the go, could be the new John Sergeant. I might even start to like him.
Nigella Lawson. The fragrant TV cook and queen of the single entendre would pout her way around the dancefloor with her trademark ‘come hither’ looks to camera.
Ant McPartlin. If the Britain’s Got Talent reunion with Dec doesn’t go well, Ant and his ‘demons’ can cha-cha-cha over to the BBC for redemption. Maybe ex-wife and Strictly make-up artist Lisa Armstrong might like to put on his slap?
Robert Peston. With his Groovy Dad persona and midlife-crisis floppy locks, Pesto’s always first on the dancefloor at media parties, so Strictly should be a breeze.
Jennifer Saunders & Joanna Lumley. Both have turned down Strictly in the past, but maybe it’s time for the ultimate Ab Fab reunion. A smidge of Bolly all round, anyone?
Lewis Hamilton. When he’s not busy apologising (last week to Stevenage for calling his home town a slum), the F1 champion fancies his chances as a bit of a dandy and all-round operator. He’s not. But it would be fun to see if he can manage the fast turns in the ballroom.
Keeley Hawes. Just because she has to be in everything these days.