STRICTLY Come Dancing returned in all its glory at the weekend for another series to brighten up Autumn and Winter days.

While head judge Len Goodman has gone, in his place is feisty former Latin champion Shirley Ballas who plainly knows her foxtrot from her fleckerl. It’s her job to keep the show close to its traditional ballroom dancing roots and she started well, flinging in the technicalities to ensure we all realised Strictly is not just about sequins and glitter.

Although this year’s intake of contestants doesn’t contain world-famous figures, there was enough genuine talent to keep Strictly purists happy.

Former boy band member Aston Merrygold and reality show winner turned show star Alexandra Burke promised well but it was magician Paul Daniels’ widow and former assistant Debbie McGee who surprised the most.

She put on an amazing performance with partner Giovanni Pernice that gave the lie to her 58 years, making everyone wonder if 2017 was the year an older contestant won the glitter ball prize. Keep on dancing!