After Friday’s delayed launch show, we’re back already with our first dances of the series! I was unsure how into the show I would be this year and already, I’m hooked. Particularly when you’re unfamiliar with certain celebrities, that actually makes it more fun for me. I go into it having zero knowledge of who they are and what they’re capable of. Now, shall we start my Strictly 2022 week 1 review then?
Kym and Graziano
Opening the very first show is a huge honour because they tend to think you’ll do pretty well on the show. I thought it was a very traditional jive and Graziano was very particular in filling it with plenty of technical steps. Kym looked comfortable and relaxed and did a good job for week one. Now she needs to build up her confidence, attack each dance a bit more and always be working on the finer details.
Judges’ scores: 4, 6, 6, 7 = 23
My score: 6
Tyler and Dianne
Starting off with an American Smooth is mean; lifts in week one! At least you know you’ve mastered a skill early on (it’s just as hard to be lifted than it is to lift, FYI). I really loved the lyrical, contemporary feeling of this dance and was impressed by Tyler’s acting skills. He has beautifully fluid arm movement. However, his bottom was sticking out a la Greg Rutherford and footwork is going to be a challenge for him. The lifts were exquisite though.
Judges’ scores: 4, 5, 7, 6 = 21
My score: 6
Jayde and Karen
I was so excited to see this duo early on in the show. Doing the Samba to Dirrty is the ultimate Strictly dream so I knew this would be unforgettable. Yep, Jayde and Karen are sensational. Week one is all about going for it and they certainly did! Was the footwork and technique a bit sloppy? Yes. Was it full of sass and energy? Yes!
Judges’ scores: 4, 7, 6, 6 = 23
My score: 6
Kaye and Kai
I actually think a Tango is a great first dance for non-actors because you have to build a character and learn the dance. It wasn’t great but Kaye went for it. Pretty good frame in hold and she’ll grow in confidence every week. I mean, who wouldn’t feel safe in Kai’s arms?! She did make some mistakes, another one suffering from first week nerves. It’s better to shake it out now though!
Judges scores: 6, 5, 5, 5 = 21
My score: 5
James and Amy
Ok, James was a very pleasant surprise. Apart from the memory issues, his kicks and flicks were pretty solid, he’s light on his feet and he really sells a performance. Fix the tiny details (arms and feet) and he’ll do just fine. Amy packed this routine full of jive content too, which the judges always appreciate. Just a shame we couldn’t differentiate between some of the steps!
Judges’ scores: 6, 5, 5, 6 = 22
My score: 6
Richie and Gio
Didn’t think I could love Richie more than I already do but here we are. His long legs were made for the Cha-Cha-Cha. For once, Gio showed off his celeb; however, I think Richie might be a bit too much for him! I’d have liked a bit more technical content but we can’t accuse them of holding anything back!
Judges’ scores: 5, 5, 6, 7 = 23
My score: 6
Helen and Gorka
Ballroom is definitely going to be Helen’s strength. She’s incredibly light on her feet and there was a lot of lovely footwork in there. She seems more comfortable in hold than out but that can be worked on! I thought she was going to be pretty bad but I was more than pleasantly surprised. Gorka’s choreography was gorgeous once again.
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 6, 7 = 26
My score: 7
Molly and Carlos
Molly is going to be like this year’s Maisie, I think. One of the most talented dancers but not as popular with the public. It’s obvious she has training so they’ll be extra picky on technique. I, for one, will spend a lot of time looking at her footwork. Her choreography could get very difficult too; push her, Carlos!
Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 = 31
My score: 8
Matt and Nadiya
Big fan of Matt already and the Quickstep is an evil first dance! This jazz style reallllly suited him, super neat footwork too. He really got the essence of the dance. That frame is going to need a lot of work though, where is that contraption that they’ve used in the past to improve the frame? He’ll need to work about getting the dance into his body, I think that’s what Motsi was referring to!
Judges’ scores: 5, 5, 5, 5 = 20
My score: 6
Ellie S and Nikita
Ellie is going to be a favourite for many. She’s so fearless and confident and I was loving her hip actions! As she improves, the performance aspect will come even more! I really think she will focus on technique too. Ellie is a born winner so you know that she will do whatever it takes to improve week on week!
Judges’ score: 6, 7, 7, 6 = 26
My score: 6
Tony and Katya
Tony didn’t even need to dance and I was already going to overmark him! The tango was not good but the cannon, the song, and the outfits were all on point. The frame was probably the main technical highlight though! You couldn’t quite make out what dance it was meant to be so Katya distracted us all by being a bit extra, as usual.
Judges’ scores: 3, 4, 4, 4 = 15
My score: 5
Will and Nancy
Will is the new Jake Wood, we’re all going to love him! He has hips, kicks, flicks, showmanship, and rhythm: the total package! Talk about a dark horse! I’m already a huge fan of his partnership with Nancy; they seem like bundles of fun! A great first dance to show off what you can do! I thought the judges were slightly over-generous with 9s though!
Judges’ score: 8, 9, 8, 9 = 34
My score: 8
Ellie T and Johannes
Ellie smashed that! She had all those extra nuances that we love about a classic quickstep. It was such a stylish routine, with a good frame and footwork for the most part. Johannes’ choreography is divine! Obsessed with this partnership too. For a first-week quickstep, it couldn’t have gone much better!
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 8 = 28
My score: 8
Hamza and Jowita
Oh wow, Hamza is incredibly graceful! I was watching for his footwork and it was so precise. You could tell the difference between a heel and a toe! The way they just glided across the floor as one. His frame was okay but he needs to keep his shoulders down a little (and tuck his bottom in). Also, can I have that pink suit? Thanks.
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 8 = 34
My score: 8
Fleur and Vito
We all know Fleur is phenomenal so they’re going to be very picky. The song choice was excellent too! She suffered from a bit too much attack, which made the footwork a bit sloppy. However, I’d say it’s easier to reign in that energy rather than build it up! Technique might become her nemesis but she definitely brings it!
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 8 = 29
My score: 7
First impressions
That was such a fun Strictly 2022 week 1 review! I feel like there were so many surprises in there (mostly good). Lots of nerves and mistakes but it’s better to get them out now than further down the line! Everyone did a great job!
Standouts were: Helen, Molly, Will, Ellie T and Hamza.
If you enjoyed my Strictly 2022 week 1 review, make sure to come back every week! You can find me live tweeting over on Twitter too!
