Strictly Come Dancing 2016: The best bits you missed from the first show from Judge Robert Rinder to Greg Rutherford
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Your support makes all the difference.It’s been a long wait but finally, we have lift off on Strictly Come Dancing 2016! This weekend’s shows are split into two, with the first six celebrities taking to the dance floor this evening. But if you were too busy enjoying after work drinks to catch Greg Rutherford’s first boogie, here are the best bits you missed:
Laura Whitmore earning the first famous Len Goodman ‘seven’ of the series
TV presenter Laura tried to persuade dance partner Giovanni Pernice to learn some Irish dancing for her performance, but he was having none of it. So, they opted for the cha cha to “Venus” by Shocking Blue. Don’t worry, we were too busy thinking of razors to concentrate on her dance moves too. She seemed to be doing the usual flitting and quick steps though, so all’s good.
Bruno Tonioli telling Naga Munchetty to take drag tips from Craig Revel-Horwood
Next up with a beautiful waltz was BBC Breakfast presenter Naga, whose partner Pasha Kovalev led her gracefully around the dance floor to “Run to You” by Whitney Houston. The judges were full of praise for her debut despite a “dodgy bit in the middle”, with Darcey Bussell even going so far as to say her “quality was serene”. Then there was Bruno, who told her that she needed to work on something called her drag across the ballroom. “If you drag, drag well,” he said. ”Ask Craig, he knows about it.” Oh the banter has begun.
Judge Rob Rinder being Judge Rob Rinder
Just the Judge, being his brilliantly camp self. Rob bounded out in a black judge’s gown before stripping off to reveal a much glitzier little number complete with freshly-waxed chest. This cha cha was sizzling stuff, with his decidedly unelegant drop of dance partner Oksana Platero at the end a particular highlight. “It certainly was frenetic dahling,” said Craig. “The facial expressions…you need to really look at the open mouth trout mou dahling.” This series will be worth watching for the camp-off between Rob and Craig alone….dahling.
Anton du Beke securing his place as the favourite to replace Len
Well wasn’t this adorable? Anton whisked his celebrity partner, Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph around to the theme song, ‘What’ll I Do’ by Alison Krauss, and our hearts melted. Lesley looked gorgeous in her pink glittery frock, and their old-fashioned romantic chemistry was just so…darn…cute. Bruno wants more “pressing of the pelvises” though, of course. That aside, this was sophistication at its best.
Ore Oduba laid his claim to the Glitterball with the first tango of the series
BBC sport presenter Ore introduced dance partner Joanne Clifton to his wife during training so the ladies could swap tips on how to push him to achieve his best. This was the best dance of the night, energetic with bags of personality to the upbeat tune of “Geronimo” by Sheppard. Glitterball winner 2016? Calling it. Even Craig loved it. Get your bets on.
Greg Rutherford being the most hyperactive dancer quite possibly ever
So…much…jumping. This was manic. Seriously, we were out of breath just watching the Olympic long jumper strut his stuff. The dodgy sense of rhythm and his pigeon toes need work, apparently, but that “sexy jive face”? Well. Quite something doesn’t cover it.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC1
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