It’s one of the few remaining jewels in the BBC crown but is Strictly Come Dancing losing some of its sparkle?
There is no doubt that the Saturday evening flagship programme is poorer without Bruce Forsyth as a regular host. Veteran judge Len Goodman has also announced his departure after the new series has ended its run, which will leave Craig Revel-Horwood as the only member of the original cast from 2004. But will the 51-year-old tone down his infamous put-downs when he is the main man? The answer is probably no but there will be five ‘judges’ on the show this year after Robert Rinder accepted an invitation to take part.
Rinder, a professional barrister and newspaper columnist, is one of 15 celebrities hoping to take home the much-coveted Glitterball in December but accepts that there will be probably better dancers among the new recruits.
Anastacia, Will Young and Louise Redknapp all have a musical background, for example. Gymnast Claudia Frangapane and former Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford will handle the punishing training schedule better than most having just got off the plane from Rio. Rutherford seems to like these celebrity competitions having taken part in an historical series last year along similar lines.
Ore Udaba was also at the Olympics in Rio but in a broadcasting role and I’m not sure what qualifications fellow presenters Naga Munchetty, Melvin Odoom and Laura Whitmore have when it comes to ballroom or cha-cha. I would, however, think myself on safe ground in presuming that veteran actress Lesley Joseph and former Labour politician Ed Balls are likely outsiders. Let’s face it, Strictly wouldn’t be the same without a John Sergeant or Ann Widdicombe figure and these are the two that fit the bill this year! Poor old Ed has been looking for a new career ever since he lost his seat at the last General Election.
Model Daisy Lowe and EastEnders actress Tameka Empson help make up the numbers but I’m keen to get the early odds on former Hollyoaks star DANNY MAC.
He’s a 7/1 chance with Skybet but has all the credentials to make the final in the run-up to Christmas. He’s appeared in the musicals Wicked and Legally Blonde and took dancing lessons at college so will know what’s required in terms of athleticism and timing. Of course, dancing with a partner is a lot different but Mac has a solid foundation from which to work whereas a lot of his fellow competitors will entering a totally alien environment.
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Strictly Come Dancing 2016 Current Best Odds
Claudia Frangapane (7/2), Will Young (5/1), Danny Mac (7/1), Laura Whitmore (8/1), Daisy Lowe and Louise Redknapp (10/1), OreUduba (12/1), Naga Munchetty (20/1), Melvin Odoom, Anastacia, Greg Rutherford and Robert Rinder (25/1), Tameka Empson (33/1), Lesley Joseph and Ed Balls (100/1)
