As I got off Wood Lane tube station outside BBC TV centre there was a queue of around 400 strictly fans in the pouring rain all glammed up in high heels and dresses.
As I looked at them sopping wet I was glad to bypass them all and walk straight into main reception of tv centre!
The windows had old strictly costumes in them- from Julian Clary’s salsa outfit with maracas to Zoe Lucker’s American smooth ballgown.
Cardboard cutouts of Bruce and Tess as well as the judges were also in reception!
Strictly publicist Stuart Macdonald was there to meet me and take me up to the green room where other press such as Lucy Cave from Heat Magazine and Helen Fear tv editor for Reveal Magazine were.
A lovely spread of food wine and beer was available! Fantastic!
At about 4pm Stuart went to see what celebs would come to talk to us- Ann Widdecombe and Kara Tointon appeared half made up.
They were both so lovely and chatty, I asked Ann if she was nervous to which she replied “No I’m not nervous at all this is only dancing for goodness sake. If something goes wrong and I fall in a heap in the middle of the floor- so what!?” She said she was really enjoying it and that it was all hair and make up all day!
Kara Tointon from Eastenders fame was tiny and very down to earth. She said “being such a huge fan of the show I can’t believe I’m hours away from doing my first dance…in a dominatrix outfit!” “I initially wanted Anton or James Jordan as my partner but I’m so happy with Artem as he’s new we are learning it all together, he’s used to teaching so he’s very patient with me”
I asked what dance she was looking forward to ” the tango I can’t wait to do that- all the passion and sharp moves I hope I make it to tango week!”
At about 4:30pm we were taken to the strictly studio and it was incredible to see it in person after all these years.
It’s true what they say it is smaller in real life and full of sparkle and massive glitter balls hanging from the ceiling! All the audience were in place for Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow – but first the warm up man came into the floor.
He told us a few jokes and had some banter with us- told us when to clap and when to give standing ovations- we even had to get up in our seats and dance to a few songs- not that I needed to get in the mood…
Then Robbie Williams came onto the floor and the whole studio just erupted it was fantastic- he said hello to the crowd and started chatting to us all saying “How long have you been queuing I had to wait 6 hours in the rain?”.
He was so charming and charismatic! He then sang Rock DJ whilst Ola, Flavia, Katya, Kristina and Aliona danced around him in skimpy red leotards!
Then the judges came out and took their places- all very surreal to see them up close. Bruno was hilarious as usual and Alesha relly warm to the audience around her.
Robbie & Gary then came out to perform their new song- there seemed to be a lot of affection between them but they had to record it again as Robbie missed a few words!
It was nearing showtime and Bruce came on about 10 minutes before 6pm and started chatting to the crowd- what a pro! He picked a young girl from the crowd to have a quick tango with- I was very jealous!
Then all of a sudden the title music and opening credits were rolling and we were off! 7 couples danced either the waltz or cha cha.
Gavin Henson was the surprise of the night as he did a brilliant waltz and the crowd loved him! Michelle Williams and Brendan did a disappointing cha cha and she looked upset and a bit surprised with the bad comments from the judges.
There was a lot of love in the room for Ann Widdecombe and the crowd were really behind her and Anton during their waltz.
Kara and Artem came out last and did a very sexy cha cha- almost ruined by a stumble at the beginning but she recovered!
Going to strictly was an amazing experience and hasn’t ruined the “magic” of strictly for me- there were no divas!If you are lucky enough to get tickets you will be in for a treat. It is a real “experience” being in the audience and a lot of fun.
Keeeep Dancing!