FOR those feeling deprived of Strictly Come Dancing, this show always brightens up the gloom.

Regular Strictly singer Lance Ellington opened the show, with Anton and Erin and the show dancers performing to Top Hat. 

Lance has a fabulous strong voice and never fails to deliver. Erin had a gorgeous black sparkly dress, the first of many gorgeous dresses, as she and Anton glided across the stage to Moon River.

When they had their first chat to the audience, they were delighted to welcome Colin Jackson in the audience - he was Erin's partner in the 2005 series of Strictly. He has now been ordered to appear in next year's show.

Anton, whose partner Hannah is expecting twins, then started asking the audience for their names as ideas for his babies'.He ended up wishing he hadn't bothered, as one person he picked on was called Cynthia.

His own favourite, apparently, is Antoinette and Anton.

There was a lot more dancing, with Erin wearing beautiful ball gowns throughout, all very sparkly, and Anton looked very dashing in his various suits.

The backing dancers were equally as good as Anton and Erin although it looked as though they had changed several of them from previous years.

They finished the show with Erin sporting a beautiful red and black dress , ideal for the tango and Anton in a black velvet suit.  

All in all it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Pamela Parker