Strictly’s back It takes more than a pandemic to stop this juggernaut
Strictly Come Dancing
BBC One
★★★★
Just what would it take to throw Strictly Come Dancing off its stride? Clearly it is going to require more than a once-in-a century pandemic. Because while coronavirus has clearly brought complications to Strictly 2020 it hasn’t, on the evidence of a glittery launch episode, sapped the heelclicking juggernaut of any of its strut.
The series sashayed to the starting line of its 18th season with face mask on and hands sanitised. How hugely soothing it was to have it back. As the pro dancers opened with a routine soundtracked by the strains of Rozalla’s Everybody’s Free, it was a pleasure to be ushered once again into this parallel dimension of twirls, tight trousers and toe-tapping thrills.
Covid visibly made its presence felt as hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman kicked off the evening standing the regulation two metres apart. And there were only three judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse – seated at separate podiums. Crowd favourite Bruno Tonioli was absent. He’s in the US adjudicating on Dancing with the Stars (he will join by computer link-up for the results broadcasts).
The pro dancers, for their part, have pre-recorded all their group numbers having quarantined together. It wasn’t announced on air but backstage kissing between contestants and dancers is also forbidden. So Covid has temporarily put a halt to the Strictly Curse, whereby some participants became romantically entangled off camera.
The biggest departure was that, rather than meeting live in the studio, celebs and pros were paired in advance – while pretending to be speechless with delight with their match. They will form a bubble while on the show.
There were charismatic first bows from hairy comedian Bill Bailey, Men Behaving Badly star Caroline Quentin and former home secretary Jacqui Smith. The BBC is also continuing with its tradition of attempting to woo younger viewers with the inclusion of social media star and singer Hrvy. And history was made as champion boxer Nicola Adams and pro Katya Jones became Strictly’s first same-sex couple.
The show, for all its concessions to Covid, felt reassuringly unchanged. This was comfort TV of the first rank. And the real thrill for Strictly fans was knowing that the excitement has only just started.