STRICTLY FINAL - MORE TRIUMPH THAN TRAVESTY

So Strictly is over for another season, and the final showdown was spectacular. Although I have bitched about the fact the popular vote seems based more contestants’ popularity than their dance expertise, I have to admit that Chris and Ola were wonderful. It was obvious from the beginning of the programme that they would win as they had the public vote, but actually, if the competition is being judged on effort, improvement and all round entertainment value, I think they deserved the prize.

As a ballroom virgin, a sports presenter with no stage school background, Chris has done wonders for the dance industry with his success. . He has shown you can come from nothing to achieve prowess on the floor, and that it is not unmanly to put on dancing shoes and impress a beautiful girl with your footwork. He has demonstrated a passion for dancing I hope will fire up men everywhere who, like Chris, have the least of experience, to take to the floor.

On the other hand, as far as giving magical, powerful and manly performances is concerned, I completely agree with the judges that Ricky Whittle is the best male dancer Strictly has produced. He has not only mastered the steps but has that extra dimension which is impossible to describe, but all women love it in a dancer. A man who understands rhythm and moves beautifully combined with a strong and positive lead is absolutely intoxicating. Ricky, how I would love to dance with you!

It’s interesting that Strictly has dropped so many millions of viewers since the show started, and left
commentators questioning whethere there is any point in a new series.
I agree with those who say there are too many contestants in the orignal line-up now, many of them mediocre, and that the show would be better off with fewer. As a dance school principal, I’d also like to see talent, effort and improvement being rewarded by the public rather than a pure sympathy vote being wheeled out to keep underdogs and big personalities on the floor.

However, I agree most of all with the columnist who says the show’s great triumph has been its success in getting Britain dancing again. I see this in the popularity of my own classes, the only ones which follow the Strictly format. Long may the dancing continue - and thank you, Strictly, for encouraging a nation of couch potatoes to get its dancing shoes on and take to the floor!