Strictly Come Dancing

Series 14 - Episode 3

Review

by Jane Rackham

Having closely scrutinised their slightly frenetic first group dance a few weeks ago, I reckon the Class of 2016 aren’t bad at all. However, hopefully they’ll have got even better since that initial outing because I spotted a few stompers (Ed Balls), gurners (Judge Rinder’s facial expressions are going to be hilarious) and stiff Jerry Hall-on-the-catwalk moves (Daisy Lowe) as they all attempted to shake their tail feathers. Meanwhile, Craig Revel Horwood is probably still in shock at all the flapping hands and iffy armography.

Being under 30, slim and fit is a massive advantage for Strictly Come Dancing, but enthusiasm and energy help too. There’s no doubt that Tameka Empson, Melvin Odoom and Ore Oduba have that by the shedload, while Strictly’s oldest contestant – Lesley Joseph – should be entertaining.

Although the 15 celebs may be hoping for a dance that requires a lot of pointing, because they’ve all got that move down pat, they’ll probably be out of luck when half of them take to the floor tonight. At least nobody will be sent home yet.

Summary

New series. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host the first of this weekend's two live shows which sees six of the 15 couples join forces with their professional dancers to battle it out on the dance floor and convince judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell they can trip the light fantastic with aplomb. This year's celebrity participants are Anastacia, Claudia Fragapane, Daisy Lowe, Danny Mac, Ed Balls, Greg Rutherford, Laura Whitmore, Lesley Joseph, Louise Redknapp, Melvin Odoom, Naga Munchetty, Ore Oduba, Robert Rinder, Tameka Empson and Will Young.

Cast & Crew

Host Tess Daly

Host Claudia Winkleman

Judge Len Goodman

Judge Bruno Tonioli

Judge Craig Revel Horwood

Judge Darcey Bussell

Contestant Anastacia

Contestant Claudia Fragapane

Contestant Daisy Lowe

Contestant Danny Mac

Contestant Ed Balls

Contestant Greg Rutherford

Contestant Laura Whitmore

Contestant Lesley Joseph

Contestant Louise Redknapp

Contestant Melvin Odoom

Contestant Naga Munchetty

Contestant Ore Oduba

Contestant Robert Rinder

Contestant Tameka Empson

Contestant Will Young

Executive Producer Louise Rainbow

Series Producer Sarah James

Entertainment

Full Episode Guide