Warmth in killer specs – but cross Strictly’s ‘dear’ Shirley at your peril
Poor show Bruno Tonioli for failing to take his place on the Strictly judging panel. The BBC explained Bruno was absent due to a “very busy work schedule”. That’s just about OK if you’re missing a brainstorming meeting in Thurrock, not leaving the most popular primetime programme in the lurch.
Happily, Craig Revel Horwood did a spot-on impersonation of the excitable Italian, signalling like a traffic cop with a wasp down his flies outside the Colosseum.
The remaining three judges eliminated the correct celebrity: dad-dancing Brian Conley looked like he could hardly be bothered to pick up his appearance fee, let alone his feet.
Once again, though, the star of the show was on the panel. Shirley Ballas has settled in perfectly to her role as head judge, balancing warmth with authority and some killer specs. But cross Shirl at your peril. I bet Brendan Cole regrets addressing her snarkily as “My dear”. Brendan and his partner Charlotte were gone faster than you can say “patronising Kiwi prat”.
Check out the video of Shirley spinning like the most elegant top with her partner (and then husband) Corky at the World Professional Latin Championships. I’m obsessed.
If we’re really good, maybe the BBC will get Shirley to dance it with Alijaz.