I cannot believe it is that time of year again, but it is indeed time to take a look back at another year of Strictly. After becoming an avid viewer last year (thanks in no small part to the joy that is Mark Benton - for my review of Strictly 2013 see my BLOG ARCHIVE) I had high hopes when it came around again for 2014.
For the most part, the ever-popular show did not disappoint. Great cast of celebs, truly marvelous professionals, great routines, dazzling quality, great journeys; bish bash bosh - the end. Broadly speaking, this series of Strictly did not defer from its core qualities compared to last year for me (and compared to years gone by I suspect also), This is a good thing, for as the ratings, the hype and the ever-growing popularity of the show shows, there is not much wrong with Strictly.
It genuinely was a pleasure for me to sit down each week to watch what is, essentially a dancing programme. Sounds boring, but it is a dancing programme that has consistently captured the heart of the nation, and I for one would not have it any other way at all.
Obviously though, a major new factor every year on Strictly - is the new crop of Strictly stars. "Celebrity" status may be questionable at times, but Strictly stars they all soon quickly become, and once again it was a joy to watch the highs, lows, twists and turns for each one of them, as each week fifteen were gradually whittled down to one.
Everyone has their favourites of course, but going through the weeks stand outs for me included the likes of Allison Hammond whose infectious, bubbly and beautiful lust for life infected our screens week-on-week; she deserved a bit more time on the show than she got I thought. Also Eastenders star Jake Wood was the really fantastic dark horse for me - his winning personality and talent should have easily seen him to the final; he was robbed in my view.
A quick word on the finalists as I do think each of them deserved to be there one way or another. I despise "TOWIE" and any television monstrosity any way associated and/or similar to it, but Mark Wright managed to shake off his reality show backdrop and grow into a cheeky likable gem in my eyes, and to those of the general public. His was the dark horse that made it to the final as, whilst there were those who were better dancers than him who did not make it, his combination of ability, likability and sheer hard work earned him a finalist spot.
Blue singer Simon Webbe is also one whose hard work paid off. His Strictly journey was probably the least consistent and the most shaky, but each week he came back fighting until he progressed into a fantastic all-round dancer. A bit of undeserved, over the top swagger peels away to reveal an approachable Simon that I think audiences warmed too, plus of course eventual sheer dancing talent.
Pop star and Saturday Frankie Bridge was the finalist who, personality wise, I warmed to the least (compared to her partner Grimsby born Kevin who is a real character of the show). Frankie's swift progression in the show seemed to rapidly inflate her head a tad too much, and she did always seem a bit flippant and self-centered with regards to her role in the show. That said, her abilities as a dancer just beggared belief! Everything that was thrown at her she overcame with apparent ease, and any development she gained on the floor only rendered her that much more of a class act.
Finally we have (SPOILER ALERT) the winner of Strictly 2014 Caroline Flack. From roughly half way she seemed to be a serious contender and to me she rapidly became my favourite to win (especially after the exit of Jake Wood). To me she is a thoroughly deserving champion, alongside her partner Pasha Kovalev. She is just the right blend of sassy, sexy, stunning, endearing and beautiful blossoming dancing talent.
Sir Bruce Forsyth. He was a huge part of the history and legacy of the show from day one, so it is not right that he be eradicated completely from Strictly (he pops up for the odd special episode, which I do not deny him at all). However I do think it was right he stepped down as permanent host. As I pointed out last year, even for me his rapport, humour and spark (or lack thereof) really was getting beyond cringe-worthy. Step in new hosting pair (and also Strictly regulars) Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Newly promoted main presenter Tess is a lot more rounded and a great deal slicker than Brucie (although she is quite monotonous and unimaginative when it comes to the chatter between dances) and the wonderful Claudia is a perfect blend of ease, flirtation and watchability. Together they make a great combo, and even when Claudia had to take a leave of absence for a few weeks, Zoe Ball stepped in to great effect too.
One more massive element of Strictly we cannot of course fail to mention is the judges. Once again this awesome foursome were huge sources of entertainment in their own unique ways. The demure and sarcastic Craig, the sassy classy Darcey, the lovable lad Len, and the fabulously flamboyant Bruno. All had great interplay with the dancers and each other. A joy to watch.
So once again, it only remains for me to thank the cast and crew and everyone in between of Strictly Come Dancing for yet another vintage year on our telly screens. Here's hoping for another belter next year, and in the mean time (I just have to do it!) - -
Keeeeeeep Dancing!
No comments:
Post a Comment