Strictly 2023

He will dance well but not win over the public because of his background. Always happens

Krishnan Guru-Murthy? Didn't see that coming

I remember him from our student days.

Not just that. If he can't keep his ego I'm check he won't come across as very likeable

I find him irritating tbh.

I can remember seeing Krishnan GM on BBC2's youth programmes in the late 1980's so showing my vintage a bit. He is a very respected broadcaster on Channel 4 news and as the choice no-one had mentioned or seemed to have read about in the press he is an interesting contestant to be revealed.

His older sister Geeta is also a news broadcaster on the BBC, so could it be a double signing? But I think they would have been revealed jointly if it was so?

Strictly usually starts early September so I'd guess Saturday 9th would be favourite, the 2nd seems too early.

There have been rumours of a wheelchair user competitor, I don't know how you can judge them compared to someone dancing on their feet but it would be a very positive pro disability move which I'll always support. If there is one then the logical choice would be BBC mainstay Ade Adepitan or possibly the new Blue Peter girl who is their first wheelchair using presenter?

As regards Layton, I've met him briefly a few times and he seems a really nice guy and when he had that nasty incident being refused entry into a club I felt genuinely sorry for him. Maybe he has developed more of an ego since as he has become more famous. But as an openly gay black man he must need to have a lot of confidence to be that out. Lots of people on the TV I can class as annoying or maybe falsely OTT but I cannot say I've ever noticed that about Layton IMO.

I guess Layton will have a male partner. Gio had the male celeb last year and Johannes had the show's first male partner in 2021. Nikita had Ellie Simmonds last series so I'd assume he gets a regular female partner this year. Gorka or Graziano might be favourites to be partnered with him as Johannes just too obvious or is that what we want as that could be very entertaining and great camp fun?

Do the live shows usually start on the Saturday after Last Night of the Proms, which is 9th September this year?

The final must be on 16th December, as neither Wimbledon nor Woking have panto performances that day.

9th Sept for launch show broadcast, 23rd for first live show and Final on 16th December must be the schedule. They don't usually do elimations the first week so first celeb leaves on 30th September that gives us 11 eliminations if we assume it will be one a week before the final which is usually a minimum of 3 competitors unless there is injuries late on in the run.

So We would assume they will go for 14 or maybe 15 celebs as you have to cater for injuries, someone walking etc and if they all do stay you can do a double elimination maybe end Nov before they go to 2 dances her show. I don't see them going with 16 celebs especially as poor Amy won't be dancing this series. Last year it was a 8 to 7 female to male celeb split although Jayde Adams described herself as pansexual. So will it be a 8 to 7 nominal male to female celeb split this year. Layton is likely to have a male partner so that balances out Amy not being able to compete and Luba can easily take a partner again.

erm.... so 'Pansexual' is a sexuality, not a gender identity. It is generally regarded as meaning being sexually attracted to people without their gender being a factor. As ever, a specific individuals understanding of, and choice of label (if any) for themselves may have a slightly different meaning. 


en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pansexuality

Radio presenter and comedian Eddie Kadi is the 5th signing for the show. I must admit I didn't know he worked on Radio 1Extra but was aware he was the first black comedian to sell out the O2 a number of years ago. He has done a fair bit of acting and could well be a fun contestant as he is quick whitted.

Can we get this moved over into the TV folder please Mr Bear? Ta!

It's funny, because I don't mind the ones who are competitive and even a bit arrogant if they've worked hard and danced well.

What I really dislike is somebody coming in and doing a stage-style approximation of a dance and then being faux-surprised "oh, who thought little old me with three years of dance training and ten years in music videos would be able to dance?".

Although I do think the judges should be less impressed by flash and actually comment if the footwork is constantly wrong.

Zara McDermott confirmed so the contestant who they maybe hope will get romantically involved with a pro dancer is now on board.