Can Strictly Survive This Year's Terrible Line-Up?

[thesshhh]

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/4251447/strictly-come-dancing-2017-louise-redknapp-marriage-split-a-list-stars/ I've never heard of half of this year's contestants. How are they going to land big stars in future after this ropey bunch? Any fool can predict already the finalists will be Mollie King, Aston Merrygoround, and Alexandra Burke - all experienced dancers through being pop stars, so what's the point? Bring back the early days when the likes of Darren Gough really learnt to dance and "went on a journey", that's what I say!

[ummmm]

For the first time ever I actually know who they all are.

As a rule I don't watch it but I might this year.

[hereIam]

Doesn't bother me in the slightest (never has). I'll still enjoy every bit of it !

[hc4361]

When Darren Gough was in it he was competing against Jaye Jacobs who had dance training and Patsy Palmer who had extensive dance experience from musicals.
Claire Sweeney was in the first series and she, too, had dance training and lots of experience on West End and other musicals.
Everyone loved Jill Halfpenny on Series 2 but she, too, had masses of dance training and experience.

There has always been 'celebrities' that are barely known outside their field and with previous dance experience. It doesn't seem to bother the audience and by the end of the series we feel we know them all, anyway.

I'm really looking forward to seeing Richard Coles in this series, he is always good for a laugh.

[roopower]

There are a couple I didn't know so far but I don't watch any of the soaps or dramas. I think it's a bit rich to blame Strictly for marriages failing - if the marriage is strong enough to start with it will survive. I'm looking forward to it, it's one of the few celebrity competitions I watch.

[Caribeing]

Love Strictly looking forward to it agree it isn't the best line up, the obligatory joke ones let's hope Anton gets paired with someone with potential we can almost predict the finalists we will get to know them as the show progresses, last season didn't know Danny Mac or Ori Oduba and now he is never off the telly .

[Cloverjo]

I bet Anton is paired with Susan Calman.
I like her. I might watch her dances. I tend to avoid it as much as possible, but OH watches it and the sound spills out from his headphones, and of course the telly is on.

[gness]

I've never watched Strictly but will this time to see Richard Coles....he's local.....we have mutual friends so, being nosy, I won't want to miss the gossip after each show.... :-)

[Buenchico]

I don't watch Strictly but I'd guess that the difficulties that the BBC faces in getting A-list stars would have less to do with any 'curse' on relationships (as suggested by The Sun) and more to do with
(a) the money that the Beeb can afford to pay ; and
(b) the diary commitments of 'big names'.

Because of all the training and rehearsal time involved, taking part in Strictly involves almost full-time commitment for around three months. Most 'A-listers' will having existing filming schedules, tour dates or other commitments which means that there's no chance of them finding a 3-month slot in their diaries. The few 'celebs' who've actually got the time free can probably earn a great deal more by seeking out other filming/performing opportunities during the relevant three-month period.

Let's face it, if most people here were offered the same money for 3 months of physically-demanding activity or for a few days work filming a series of commercials, I think I know what they'd be likely to choose ;-)

[Mamyalynne]

Yes, I believe this line up will do no harm to the series and it will survive.

[horseshoes]

I don't think it's a terrible line up; in fact the only one I don't know is the Eastenders actor, but as I don't watch it, it's hardly surprising. I LOVE Strictly and am looking forward to it. I had my £2 to win on Ore last year and on Jay the year before.

[naomi24]

//I've never heard of half of this year's contestants. //

That's normal for me. I enjoy the competition though, so it really doesn't matter.

[woofgang]

I will give it a chance but think it may have had its time.

[gingejbee]

I think that Strictly fans are just that....fans of the show. Whether the participants are "big names" or niche little-knowns matters little.

[andy-hughes]

The problem is, if you have a contestant who is unhappy with their relationship, they start spending seriously large amounts of time with an attractive member of the opposite sex who is going to empower them, support and encourage them, and engage in levels of physical intimacy that are only surpassed in their own bedroom. On that basis, it is a split waiting to happen.

I will keep an eye on it, but I am not a serious fan.

To answer the Question - there is the law of diminishing returns for any show that wants to attract celebs to big chunks of filming time - a lot of them are celebs because they are busy doing what they are famous for, and therefore unavailable.

[TWR]

Will not bother me, it seems these programs are more about the Judges than the contestants EX Factor, the Voice.

[Eve]

Big names might draw more people to watch but for me it's about the dancing. Just because they aren't big name stars doesn't mean they won't entertain and make it a really good competition.

I think they need a mix of talent. Unless they are all very entertaining, like Ed Balls, a group whose level of dancing is low may not be as interesting as having a mix with some more talented celebs who bring out much higher standard dances.

[hc4361]

Brian Conley has also signed up for it. He's not a puppet