The most glittering show of the year returns with new girl Alesha Dixon joining the judging panel. While Eastender Ricky Groves steals the show with his hilarious dance moves.

Strictly Come Dancing returned for its seventh series this weekend in a jam-packed double bill on Friday and Saturday night, which saw eight out of the sixteen celebrity dancers take on not one, but two challenging dances in what has been billed as 'the toughest Strictly yet'.

True to form, the show has attracted a barrage of criticism and onslaught from the media, even before the first show was aired. As usual the rumoured romances, tears and catfights have been circulating for weeks, ever since the celebrities were paired up with the dancers. But the issue that has been on everyone’s lips is whether new girl Alesha Dixon can cut the mustard on the highly regarded judging panel. The departure of poor old Arlene Phillips has created the biggest ‘ageism’ row the BBC has ever seen and has left Alesha being branded as ‘disastrous’ by the show’s loyal fans. We have to admit, although Alesha doesn’t quite have the credentials that Arlene has in terms of experience and knowledge, she didn’t do nearly as badly as has been reported. We say give the girl a break – it was her first day in a new job after all!

Now, back to the really important bit; how did the brave celebs do in their opening weekend?! Well, the standard was definitely split, with some impressing the judges with their elegance and grace (The Bill’s Ali Bastian), while others were left feeling out in the cold as their performances created more laughter than skill (Boxer Joe Calzaghe).

So, Friday was Ballroom night and the show kicked off with hunky Crimewatch presenter Rav Wilding and new dancer Aliona Vilani who were clearly incredibly nervous about being the first couple to take to the floor. The judges wasted no time with their quick-witted and somewhat harsh remarks, with Len Goodman being the first to have the audience in fits of laughter on Rav’s performance; “like a lot of men, it had a good start to it, but a disappointing finish.” Len also used another insightful comparison with tennis legend Martina Hingis on her first dance; “bit like a doughnut with no jam, it looked tasty but it disappointed.” Where does he get this stuff?! A legend, nevertheless!

The most naturally talented dancer and defiantly the one to watch is Ali Bastian who scored top points on both nights and received rave reviews from all four judges. Couples that didn’t quite make the grade were the lovely Lynda Bellingham and dance partner Darren Bennett, and Olympian Jade Johnson and Ian Waite, who is possibly the most annoying celebrity this series as her over-the-top pawing of partner Ian, whenever the cameras pointed her way, couldn’t have been less sincere. However BBC Breakfast Sports presenter Chris Hollins and his partner Ola Jordan were the surprise of the weekend, with Craig Revel Horwood declaring them ‘rather brilliant’ after Saturday night's Latin dance. The very cute twosome looked totally at ease with each other and Ola’s exceptionally tiny outfit that consisted of a couple of well placed pieces of fabric didn’t seem to distract the presenter too much!

The comic highlight and possibly the funniest dance we've ever seen on Strictly must go to Eastender’s actor Ricky Groves and his partner Erin Boag dancing the Cha Cha Cha. After the disappointing response from the judges on Friday after their Ballroom dance, where Bruno Tonioli declared he had seen ‘more romance between David Cameron and Gordon Brown’, Ricky and Erin bounced back with an absolute bang. Ricky’s concentration obviously got the better of him as he spent the entire dance with his mouth wide open, looking like an embarrassing Dad prowling the dance floor at a family wedding! It must be seen to be believed, we can assure you! It did, however, prove just how entertaining this show can be.

As always the bottom two couples who received the least points and votes from the public had to perform again in the dance off, and the judges must decide who to keep. The two couples this week were Martina and Mathew and Rav and Aliona. Unfortunately for previous winner Mathew, who won with Judge Alesha Dixon in 2007, it was time to say goodbye, as Martina was viewed as the least improved celeb and alas, they took to the dance floor for their final dance together.

Although sadly one couple is already out, we still have eight more celebrities to be seen next week in another double bill extravaganza on Friday and Saturday night. After this weekends glorious return we just can’t wait to see it all again next week!!

The celebs who will dance next week are as follows:

Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace

Zoe Lucker & James Jordan

Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke

Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas

Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe

Jo Wood & Brendan Cole

Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone

Richard Dunwoody & Lilia Kopylova

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