STRICTLY SPEAKING

And they’re off! Season 2019 of Strictly Come Dancing has officially launched, thanks to the help of an unexplained Kylie Minogue concert. Now our Saturday and Sunday evenings are no longer our own.

This weekend’s episode gave us our fair share of celebrity, with personalities such as Olympic rower James Cracknell, sports commentator Mike Bushell and Anneka Rice being thrown into the ring in the ultimate battle for the glitterball trophy.

The show is not without its usual appeal – seeing arguably famous people who usually do other things do something else.

And there is very little reason to believe this year will be any different from the rest, other than the fact Anton du Beke might get quite far in the competition after it was revealed he will be partnering Eastenders actress Emma Barton.

But perhaps the biggest surprise was that last year’s professional winner Kevin Clifton – who is now dating fellow 2018 champion Stacey Dooley – was paired with the kind of dancer Anton is often stuck with (ie not very good), Anneka Rice.

One thing Strictly is yet to go a series without is inflicting its lovers’ curse. Many a marriage and relationship has broken down at the hands of the show and only time will tell who will fall victim to it this series.

Speaking of falling, I would say it is a shame Made In Chelsea “star” Jamie Laing had to quit the competition after hurting his foot in the group dance, but then I would be lying.

His replacement, Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, is perhaps a blessing in disguise for professional partner Oti Mabuse.

Phew, I’m exhausted already and the dancing hasn’t even begun!