There may be trouble ahead???

According the the BBC website, the Strictly shake up has already begun, the latest announcement being that three new male dancers have been introduced for this years show. Alongide this follows the decision to reduce the number of competing couples from 16 to 14. This decision has lead to the elimination of one professional couple, and obviously three of our male proffesionals.


Listed in the line up as competing proffesionals for SCD 2010 -
Males -                                                               

• Artem Chigvintsev
• Jared Murillo
• Robin Windsor
• Anton Du Beke
• James Jordan
• Brendan Colle
• Vincent Simone 

Females -

• Ola Jordan
• Flavia Cacace
• Erin Boag
• Katya Virshilas
• Natalie Lowe
• Aliona Vilani
• Kristin Rhianoff

From this it is apparent that a few of the favourite names appear to be missing. To me the most dissapointing abscence being that of Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova. Also missing from the line up, having being replaced by the new professionals, are Matthew Cutler, Brian Fortuna and Ian Waite.


All is not lost however, as being newly introduced for this series in the SCD Proffesional Dance group. In which places have been offered to the 5 'eliminated' professionals . The concept behind this is to showcase more of the proffesional dancers alongside competing dancers with regards to the style of dance being performed.
As much as I am against the removal of Darren and Lilia from the competing element of the show, I think it will be, in terms of the viewing audience, a good move for the show if they decide to stay on. By them being in this 'dance group' will give the viewer an oppourtunity to see a lot more of them, especially considering their previous run thoughout the series in the show. HOWEVER. I aswell as many other viewers, tune in to see their favourite professionals compete, and are being increasingly more put off the show with the recent announcements.

It has been announced that unhappy with the occuring changes, Brian Fortuna has already declined his position in the show, and I would not be surprised if the other dancers decided to follow suit.

So why these dancers? My guess is as good as anyones. They wanted 14 couples to compete, so that meant the removal of one pro couple. So lets look at this logically.

 Ola - pretty much safe, she won last year - so back to defend her title. Thus securing a place for James.

Anton - comic value. They'd be low on gags if they deployed him, and would most likely spark an ageism row once more. Again - Erin, being the long standing female pro on the show, still in.

Brendan, has his bad boy rep, adds 'excitement' to the proceedings, Katya - tours with him, new girl. So safe.

Natalie and Aliona. New girls - quite popular, safe. Vincent and Flavia - Needed for Semi final week, dont want to risk them declining, as Argintine Tango can be done by none other. Kristina ... I dont know why. But she is safe.

Three men are out making way for the new boys. So that leaves Darren and Lilia. They've had pretty shocking partners, and early eliminations, so I guess the BBC are hoping that the viewing audience have forgotten about them! ... We have NOT. It has not been confirmed as to whether Darren and Lilia have accepted or declined the offer of dance group member, I hope they accept, but out of prinicple it is likely that Brian wont be the only one to walk.

So why Ian and Matthew? Matt - out week one. No longer seen as a competitor ... but FANTASTIC in pro dances. Obvious. Ian, had to withdraw from the competition, not an obvious choice to me, obviously all the female celebs will be short this year.

Very odd choices. 3 champions and 2 finalists. Yes. Good one BBC. These pros have obviously done something right to gain those positions. It is at the end of the day up to the viewer, and this particular one is not happy!

But what will be will be. Will this work? Im going with no. But we shall see.