Strictly Come Dancing: Distracting trousers aside, an awesome opening weekend

A first look at all 15 couples - and didn’t they do well?

Has there ever been a first week where no-one scored below 20? Were the judges a bit too liberal in their marking? Has Craig ever got his 8 paddle out in week 1, let alone more than once? And wasn’t the opening dance emotional? The mix of older and younger dancers showing how ballroom transcends all ages was beautiful.

I always think the two night split is a little unfair on the Friday night dancers - their scores were respectable and and sensible - but they got swamped once Saturday night got underway because of some over generous marking.

At the top of the leaderboard, Daisy and Aljaz, with their waltz to Unforgettable. Beautiful choreography and well danced by Daisy but - I agree with Craig - a bit too sickly for me and I personally didn’t feel it deserved a 9. There were a couple of sticky transitions so I was surprised that Len declared it the best first dance ever (better than Matt & Lilia’s waltz? Aljaz’s & Abbey’s?) Score: 32

Louise was as good as I was expecting her to be, and with Choreography King Kevin giving the judges what they want to see, she’ll go a long way. Crisp and neat, well placed - Louise made it look easy but it was jampacked with content and delivered with style. Score: 31

Danny and Oti were the surprise, since I’d never heard of him prior to the show. But I love Oti and so now, by default, I love Danny too. Exciting choreography - there was enough cha cha for me - and super timing. Dancing to Cake by the Ocean, which I’ve been turning the sound up for all through the summer and thinking what a fab cha cha song it would be. Plenty of attack, legs, hips - an early fave and a well deserved standation. Score: 31

Will and Karen had the intent and purpose you want to see in a tango but - those trousers! I was completely distracted by those trousers! So I think he had flexed knees but to be honest the only thing I really remember once my gaze travelled beyond his knees were his socks. Score: 30

Brendan’s been there, done it and knows how things work, so Anastacia was given an excellent cha cha routine, in most part delivered very well technically, and with plenty of sass. But there were a lot of unsteady moments so I think they’re slightly above where they ought to be in the leaderboard. Score: 28.

Ore suffered from distracting trouser syndrome too, as well as having to contend with the equally distracting dress of Joanne, who’d clearly stood too close to an exploding box of Quality Street - with or without the Toffee Deluxe, I couldn’t say. He’s a great dancer, musical, fluid and confident, despite his earlier terror - so let’s lose the damn gimmicks, shall we? He just doesn’t need them. Props and jolliness in a tango full of intent and characterisation do not go. Score: 27

Natalie is right up there with Oti as my favourite pro and in Greg, she has someone she can really nurture - remember what she did with Michael Vaughan and Audley Harrison? She has this innate ability to take a tall sportsman and turn him into an entertaining dancer. Their jive was full of energy, if a little stompy in places, and great fun - he threw himself into it and I always like that. There’s a lot of core strength obviously and he holds himself well - so with Queen of the Ballroom Natalie and her exquisite choreography, I’m expecting him to be higher up the leaderboard next week. Score: 27

Tameka and Gorka were wonderful! A proper Paso to an iconic Spanish song, even if it did take me back to Butlins in the 70s. Loved her attitude, full of drama, not as clean as it should be but a great performance. Score:26

In Claudia, AJ has someone with a huge amount of potential - but he has to choreograph a dance. I’m totally with Len on this - if it turns into a floor exercise every week, they’ve lost me. I’ll happily watch gymnastics in a sporting arena but I’ve no interest in gymnastics in the middle of a cha cha - or any dance, except a Charleston a la Louis and Flavia. Button cute the pair of them, although I couldn’t tell whether the ‘adorable’ quotes about AJ and Claudia on Twitter were referring to his partner, or our Clauds upstairs! Score: 26

Opening the whole weekend, Laura and Giovanni, who proved to be a wonderful addition to the show last year. A good cha cha, slightly tentative and lacking core strength but she’d clearly listened in training and tried her hardest to get the technique right even if she didn’t quite pull it off. With his guidance and keeping the nerves under control, I think she’ll be one of the most improved as we go along. Score: 25

The word ‘exuberant’ was invented for this moment. Judge Rinder was rhythmic, raw and untidy, keen as a puppy and I couldn’t stop smiling all the way through their cha cha. If the lovely Oksana can help control his body he will be fab-u-lous. Score: 25

The earnest Naga showed much potential in a nice waltz. Some unsteadiness and needs to work on fluidity and transitions, but with the masterful Pasha to help her - and a sneaky feeling that Latin might be more her thing, she could surprise next weekend. Score: 23

Lesley and Anton opened with a waltz to the Birds of a Feather theme tune. Her posture needs work but she was confident with the routine, although it wasn’t the most exciting of dances, it has to be said. Score: 23

Melvin showed plenty of grooviness but dreadful leg action and lack of technique made it seem at times more like a salsa to me than a cha cha. I love Melvin on the KissFM breakfast show, so I’m hoping Janette can polish him up by next weekend, otherwise he’s in danger. Score: 22

Being honest, I don’t think Ed and Katya deserve the bottom spot on the leaderboard. I’d have them above Lesley and Melvin, as Ed flowed well across the floor with composure. He may have been nervous but that only showed in his face and didn’t transfer to his footwork. A little more swing and sway or rise and fall would’ve made the difference. Score: 21

This series is already looking tight, with even those supposedly out of their comfort zones showing a lot of potential. I suspect the judges will be a little more circumspect with their scores next week, specially as the celebs only have one week to learn their next routine.

The usual page regarding rules and regs seems to be missing on the official website, so I’m assuming the dance off is still in play, and that the bottom two after judges scores and viewer votes combined will slug it out in front of the judges, with Len having the final say in a split vote.

Who do you think will be the first to leave?

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