Snow fell heavily outside Birmingham National Indoor Arena on January 20, but dedicated Strictly enthusiasts aren’t easily kept from their sequins. Directed by Craig Revel Horwood, the live show aims to give the audience the television experience, complete with voting, training videos and comments from the judges.

Week 6

This week’s Strictly was a test run. We all know Brucie won’t be around forever, and can there be a show without him?

I hate to wish a sudden career end on anyone, but the answer is a resounding YES. And why? Because of the quick-witted, adlibbing, gently caustic, genuinely warm presenting goddess that is Claudia Winkleman. Watching her switch from easy, natural banter with the dancers to sly riffs on the boring bits (“Don’t even make a phone shape with your hand!”) and off-the-cuff jokes that were almost thrown away rather than hammered home was like watching a jazz great let loose at a late-night club – brilliant, exciting, slick, adult, totally intoxicating.

Week 5

Phew! After last week’s horror fest – in execution more than premise – Strictly got back on track with a theme-free weekend, bar the occasional grating fireworks gag (mainly bleated out by Tess during links. Has Bruce rubbed off on her, or can they not even trust him with the puns these days?). Plus the training footage returned! Let us do the dance of joy!

But for those worried a less-disaaaastrous show means fewer grumbles from me, fear not, gentle reader…

Week 4

Something wicked this way comes…

Two theme shows in a row, and sadly Strictly went from bad to totally crackers.

The countdown to “Strictly” has begun, with the announcement of the professional dancers for this year’s series.

Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev were the winners of this year’s “Strictly Come Dancing”.