Last updated 09:15, Saturday, 19 April 2008

I’M SURE those of you, like myself, who enjoy watching Strictly Come Dancing on TV, will remember the original Come Dancing which ran (believe it or not ) from 1949-1998.

In its early years it was broadcast from amateur dance events held around the country. Professional dancers Syd Perkins and Edna Duffield taught the moves to viewers.

It wasn’t until 1953 that the show concentrated on the competition element, with couples from all over the UK competing for the coveted trophy. In the Fifties the presenters were McDonald Hobley, Peter Dimmock, Sylvia Peters, Peter West, Brian Johnston and Peter Haigh.

The real stars of the show were the dancers and the amazing costumes. Tafetta, satin, sequins and feathers were where it was at. Over its mammoth 50 year run, other presenters on the show included such famous names as Terry Wogan, Angela Rippon, Michael Aspel, Judith Chalmers and David Jacobs.

My work colleagues and I are in dispute over who the band leaders of the orchestra were. I say Victor Sylvester conducted in the early days but no-one seems to agree with me. Joe Loss seems to be the general consensus.

Can anyone confirm this for Timeline?