Despite the lockdown, the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing is still as great, bright, and entertaining as ever. I’ll admit, there are a fair few problems with this series, but they have really done well, despite the circumstances. In this review, I will be going through the episode and explain what I liked, and disliked, about it. So strap in, and get ready for a whirlwind of emotions!
The show, as usual, starts off with the big extravagant dance. The whole screen is full of neon lighting, and we hear retro music. Love it. The dancers are not socially distanced, but that’s because they have spent weeks locked up together, practicing it! The camerawork is amazing too – following each of the dancers around the stage. All of the special effects used during this dance really fit in well though, and whoever choreographed it should be very proud. What a start to the show!
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman then come out from either side of the stage, and stand a few metres apart! As usual, there is the usual back and forth of reading from the telepromter, but the distance reminds you that there still is a pandemic going on, which kind of takes away from the fun of Strictly Come Dancing – it should be something that gives a break from the sorrow of covid-19. They mention that the one and only Gary Barlow will be on the show singing – I’m sure that’s what drew in most viewers for this episode! The judges are all then introduced.
We’ve then got a small recap of the previous dances from the show on Saturday, and then just nine minutes into the show, we are thrown into the action where the constents are told who is safe… and who is not. Each safe couple is interviewed – with some crying and tears. The judges then explain what they liked and disliked about the acts, and then…
The one and only Gary Barlow appears! He’s wearing a full red suit, standing out, despite being in front of various bright lights. The song itself is called Elita, and usually features another legend, Michael Buble, however for some reason, it’s just Gary Barlow on his own… for some reason. All the musicians are all socially distanced, which again, reminds us there’s a pandemic going on, but I guess that’s alright.
It’s time for the big dance off! Both couples are doing everything they can to try to win. You can see that this means a lot to both of them. The judges then make their votes, and as usual, there is the dramatic pause between each vote cast. But of course, it wouldn’t be Strictly Come Dancing without it!
The show ends like each Sunday, with the losing couple dancing together to the credits. It’s always quite a sad moment, but then you remember there’s another week where it starts all over again!
