WITH a red carpet opening and a nostalgic tribute to the passing of our Brucie, with three new professional dancers not to mention a new head judge taking over from Len in the form of Shirley Ballas, this year’s Strictly and series 15 promises to be as good as ever.
The pairings will be as follows:
Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson is with Aljaz and looking at the brief dance they all performed Aljaz is really going to have his work cut out to move Gemma forward.
Debbie McGee wife of the magician Paul Daniels and former ballerina is dancing with Giovanni. I have to say she looked extremely stiff and stilted so will have to see how she will develop.
Holby City actress Chizzy Akudolu is partnering Pasha.
This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford is partnering Anton again I have a feeling he’s going to have to put in some serious work.
JLS band member Aston Merrygold is to dance with Janette and I think should be one of the front runners.
Reverend Richard Cole a radio presenter and former band member of the Communards is dancing with one of the new professionals Dianne Buswell from Australia. I think he will be one of the people’s favourites this year.
Eastenders actor Davood Ghadami is parnering another new professional Ukranian Nadiya Bychkova.
Celebrity chef and restaurant owner Simon Rimmer is dancing with Karen. GMB presenter Charlotte Hawkins is to dance with Brendan.
Saturdays pop group member Mollie King is dancing with AJ and again looks as if she may be one of the contenders.
Scottish comedian Susam Calman is partnered with Kevin another long way to go for Susan. Let’s see if Kevin ends up in the top three this year!.
Pop singer and West End star Alexandra Burke has been partnered with Giovanni and again another strong contender.
Holby City actor Joe McFadden is dancing with Katya who also looks interesting. This year for the first time we have a paralympic champion who lost his leg to meningitis at the age of five and is dancing with Oti. It will be interesting to watch this pairing to see how far they can go.
Finally comedian Brian Conley is to dance with the third new professional Welsh Amy Dowden who is the current British champion.
It’s always interesting to see the early programmes and to see who can develop the necessary chemistry to continue week to week.
The next shows are due to be televised on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 September.
In the meantime don’t forget that we start our new autumn courses this week so come and join us to keep up with the strictly gossip.
Til next time Keep Dancing!