Strictly Come Dancing / Alan Dudman / 01 October 2010 /

Al Dudman can't stop shaking and it ain't the rumba rhythms that's doing it to him but pure unadulterated Strictly excitement. Read his early thoughts on the competitors here

With tension levels unbearable, and excitement now reaching fever pitch, we are within touching distance of Friday night's kick-off for series eight of Strictly Come Dancing (or for us dancing dudes: SCD8).

I thought my own personal dancing dials were fairly high, until finding out there's a man who has converted his garden shed into a studio. Crazy eh? Pity I don't have a shed. Although I've always wanted one of those glitterballs. Come to think of it, I've always wanted a shed.

Remember there is no results show this week, although Week 1 Elimination markets are available. Friday's kick-off starts at 21:00, whilst Saturday's live programme begins at the earlier time of 18:05, and by then we should have a better idea of who is capable of going all the way.

It's been more of a reconnaissance mission this week, gathering news, picking up gossip on forums, reading all the papers. Vital tools to go to war with for the SCD punter. Forums are indeed one of the most valuable sources of gaining public opinion - and Jimi Mistry is doing pretty well so far. He's [6.8] to win it, and [3.00] as top male. Jimi could be a plan, and as General Patton once said: "A good plan executed now, is better than a perfect plan executed next week."

The dances have been confirmed for the two shows, with the contestants tackling the Latin cha cha cha and the classic ballroom waltz. Those with the latter might be happier, as the Latin (especially the cha cha cha) is one that needs vital rhythm. These steps require perfect feet, all in time, man leading the woman and balance with hips. The ballroom waltz is not as intricate as the Viennese (remember all those turns?). It's classic, it flows, it's light and it's gliding. Ann Widdecombe and Anton du Beke - I wish you the best of luck.

Cha cha cha dancers:
Kara and Artem
Felicity and Vincent
Tina and Jared
Michelle and Brendan
Matt and Aliona
Jimi and Flavia

Ballroom waltz:
Ann and Anton
Pamela and James
Gavin and Katya
Scott and Natalie
Peter and Erin

Points-wise, the potential high scorer is Mistry. His training sessions are going very well. He's looked comfortable with all the cha cha cha moves so far, and his work with Flavia is looking like a good routine. Judging by forum talk, he's the best of what has been on offer. Matt Baker was a junior gymnastic champion, and I'm interested in seeing his first routine before I make judgement.

The big surprise for me in training has been Pamela Stephenson. She's got the waltz and has looked a complete natural, and my inital assessment of her could be slightly wrong. I still wouldn't be convinced of her profile to win this, but she's looked very good with her moves so far. Pam is picking up things very quickly but is still big at [17.0] for top female.

Kara Tointon is an obvious high scorer, and is favourite to win at [5.50], and [2.74] for top female. She forms part of the good looking axis with Artem Chigvintsev. Newspaper reports have suggested some sort of romance, which has subsequently been denied. However Strictly does like a love story, these two are the one of the hottest couples, and points scale will be high.

Low scores. Step forward (or roll forward) Ann Widdecombe. This could be one of the lowest ever marks for a waltz. I also read comments regarding our rugby star Gavin Henson, who was described as looking unhappy and frozen. Maybe he was on the 71 Degrees
North programme at the time? We'll get at these two and their low scores.

Although there is no Sunday results show, have a look at the early week one elimination markets to try and snaffle some of the bigger prices for the following week.

Recommended Bet:
Back Michelle Williams in week 1 elimination market @ [15.50]

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