Listen, I never thought I’d be sitting here writing a hoddle about Dancing With The Stars (the US version of Strictly Come Dancing). But here we are. It’s international break, and I’m writing about it.
The only reason - and I mean ONLY - that I have any sort of interest in this reality television show is because of Andy Richter the Swedish German, famously the sidekick to late-night television icon Conan O’Brien.
Andy Richter and his dancing partner Emma survived the latest round in the dance contest - supposedly Disney night. There are 14 celebrity contestants this year - crazy! After Hilaria Baldwin’s exit this week (uh oh, spoiler alert), Andy Richter is in the top 10.
Andy, it should be noted, is probably the oldest contestant in the series at age 69. He and his partner have had the lowest scores in three of the first five dances (and the second-lowest in two).
Want more of Andy? Well here is his most recent dance routine, set to the theme of Ratatouille:
But Andy Richter says he’s having a lot of fun on this show, which has been a very new experience for someone who’s biggest on-stage persona has been defined by sitting on a couch (hey, somebody’s got to make those great one-liners, am I right?).
Who knows how long this underdog run can continue for. I certainly hope that he goes the whole way and completely destroys this programme, which is amazingly in its 34th series (that means there are more than 340 celebrities out there - insane - and how?).
If anyone has more insight on Andy Richter’s performances on the show, please share.
Fitzie’s track of the day: Night Lights, by the Gerry Mulligan Sextet
And now for your links:
The Athletic ($$): “How Thomas Frank’s Tottenham can improve in attack after strong start to season”
BBC: [Josh Cavallo]: “‘Being gay in men’s football is a very toxic place’”
The Guardian: “Ratcliffe says Ruben Amorim has three years to prove himself at Manchester United”