WHEN: starts 9/9 BBC1 7pm, runs to 16/12

1. Jonnie Peacock wins

We saw the 24-year-old amputee win gold at the 2012 Paralympics and 2017 World Championships at the London Stadium. He’s a credit to his sport, athletes often do well in Strictly and, perhaps because of his obvious disadvantage, we’ll be rooting for him to win.

• Read on for reasons including why a former Communard mustn’t leave us too soon

2. Rev Richard Coles mustn’t leave us (this way) too soon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ha5HrQryLk

80s pop star Richard Coles’ career transition to the Church and beloved TV presenter continues apace and we’re loving his mum’s Strictly aspirations for him (see above). Michaelmas is 29/9.

3. Hope Alexandra Burke does her mum proud

Former Soul II Soul singer Melissa Bell died last month and we hope her X Factor-winning daughter Alexandra Burke gets a chance to do her proud in this year’s series.

4. Laughs from Susan Calman

One of our favourite comedians can surely be relied upon to bring the laughs to the show. We’re thinking of jokes in Claudia’s area after each dance  – rather than at Calman’s own routines.

5. Another good JLS show

JLS lead singer Aston Merrygold is the favourite to triumph with the bookies this year after bandmate JB won in the Christmas special in 2012.

In other news, check out this site on 18/9 for a review of the 1st appearance of Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood in Annie at the Piccadilly Theatre. Tickets

• Picture via Facebook courtesy Jonnie Peacock. Tickets
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