Ö÷²¥´óÐã

A great line up. I've heard of all of them and like most of them. Well done Ö÷²¥´óÐã!

I had to look up some of the men. My money is on russell grant going out first. Please don't give him to erin Ö÷²¥´óÐã!

Yeah not bad - think Holly Valance will be good and Dan Lobb could be another Matt Baker! I do have a sneaky suspicion that Robbie Savage will really let himself go and might surprise us! But, being Welsh, I'm supporting Alex Jones all the way! Lets just hope she's not another Michelle Williams or Jo Wood! SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!

Bruce 42: I totally agree!! Erin and Anton both deserve someone great - they should alternate the potenially good celebrities with the different professional dancers. It is the only criticism I have [apart from Arlene leaving :( ]. Anton and Erin are AMAZING dancers and deserve to be in the competition as long as possible.

I'm supporting Harry Judd all the way - he is so gorgeous and very sweet!!!!

Alex Jones - too much of a beeb fave not to win

yep agree about alex jones bet she gets artem

Maybe it is just me - but too many "joke" or old contestants for me - and Alex Jones - oh no - she is a terrible presenter and can't believe she won't be a moaner - happy to be proved wrong!

Sounds good, Hope Alex Jones get Brendan or James because I think she might be good and they desire some good. Roll on Saturday. :)

too many older women and oh no not Lulu!

Ohhhh Can't wait now!!! Hope Anton gets somebody decent this year - fingers crossed. x

heard of most of these hope russell goes first would like to see anton and holly together but i bet he gets edwina or lulu

Well, I will be, of course, fully behind Russell Grant in his bid to lift the silver ball. And if not him then Edwina.

Except that I have always had a big crush on Holly, choices, choices.

Dan is definitely my man to win, can't wait to watch! Bring it on.

Looks like I've picked a good Strictly for my first attempt at blogging.Hello everyone.

Delighted that everyone is so pleased with the new line-up. I am SO disappointed! Where are the Jimi Mistry, Matt Baker, Pamela Stephenson, Patsy Kensit-type celebrities of last year? I mean....Edwina Currie, Russell Grant...???Other people we don't even know!! I thought last year was the best ever and knew this year would be hard to beat but it looks as if the Ö÷²¥´óÐã haven't even tried!

Oh no .... NOT Lulu

good line up.. great can't wait for sat to see who pair up! oh! i like Dan hope he pair with Erin and Anton for Alex as it about time they get good partners for a change as they always get rubbish they deserve better this year.. yipeee roll on sat!!!! oh! yeah Lulu she already is a good dancer not fair!

Can we have details on the professionals who are dancing this year? Just the new hunky Pasha mentioned?

Thank goodness for Zoe Ball although will obviously miss, and it won't be the same without Claudia

Excellent my password worked for this year mac from last year and I am taking up residence for this year's competition on behalf of us Irish who like Strictly.

And well my favourites so far Jason Donovan watched Neighbours and also not a fan of Eastenders but Anita Dobson would be up there as well for me.

From a gay man's point of view which is me Dan Lobb and Harry Judd really are sexy especially Harry looking forward to seeing his tight bottom in sequins.

At this stage 2 nominees for the Ann Widdecombe Award For Car Crash Dancing Edwaina Currie MP and Russell Grant smart money is on Russell Grant.

But haven't seen them dance yet but will be able to determine on Saturday night to make a better assessment.

So that's me moved in here for the season.

See you Saturday
Laters
mac.

PS Greetings From Ireland

Robbie Savage!! Bananas on the pitch and hopefully he will let himself go on the dancefloor. Hope he is good and he gets Erin. Would be great to see how brave he is then!!

In reference I would hazard a pot shot here Anton will be getting Edwina for his parrtner.

While Anita will be getting Vincent The Italian Charmer Simone as partner and also Lulu will either get Robin Windsor or Brendan Cole as her partner smart money is on Robin.

Holly will be definitley paired with Pasha and whoever gets Russell gets the deck chair.

Laters
mac

Hate to say it another pot shot Ruseell Grant won't be going out first if it's anything like last year.

Fergal

Bet poor old Anton will get Edwina Currie :( and Erin will get the boxer!!!

Looking good this year, but am missing Gav already!! Heres to a great series x

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Mainly love the line-up - especially Sav and Dan. Shd be brill. Hope poor Anton doesn't end up with Edwina tho!!! Pls give him someone better this year.

Well, only four I haven't heard of - the Beeb are getting better! No hunky guys (from my point of view) - shame. It's over to the pros then...

What an uninspiring line-up!! The lovely young Harry McFly aside, I can't get enthusiastic about ANY of them!Hey ho!

I don't think it's the best line up by a long long way. Last year you could look at at least 6 potential winners from the starting line up, this year I can see maybe 3 - i'll let you guess who I think. I agree with most people on here in saying that it needed a couple more younger women - no disrespect to any of the older generation - also there are no out and out wow factor mega stars. They are all been there, gone and need to come-back wannabees...

I am really looking forward to this new Strictly. The great thing about it is that, apart possibly those on the dancing floor who may be terrified, everybody is HAPPY watching it. It is better than watching a play (e.g., a drama), or even a football match (half of the spectators are unhappy) , or worse of all, watching the NEWS.

Please please let Anton be paired with a decent dancer. It would be good to see him go far.
Going to miss Claudia on 'It takes two' she's mental - in a good way lol.

Good line up. Looking forward to seeing Alex Jones and I'll be supporting her all the way.
Good Luck Alex if you read this. x

im so glad that strictly is coming back,... life is worhting living again,..lol!!! luving the wkend tv again,... but i do av to say,..some of the celebraties,..are not my cup of tea,..but im ready for them to prove us that we are wrong bout them,.. so the best of luck to all of them,.. everyone is a winning already as they av been choose to do the programm,... buenas suerte!!! ;-)))

I'm rooting for Nancy. The press have given her quite a hard time over the years, but I find her rather endearing. And she looks stunning.

Oh my goodness...well if it's like last year then Holly is def going to win it, as she is young and the best looking, and we already know, like Kara that she can dance. Also she has put on a bit of weight so no doubt this will get her figure back and then she can do a lot of stories about how she's lost the weight etc etc! Though I would rather somebody unexpected won it like Russel Grant lol! I think Pamela should have won it last year but nobody over the age of 40 EVER wins it!! I hope Anton dosen't get Edwina because he needs a fair crack at winning, and he shouldn't always be made a joke of! Alex Jones has a good chance, and I am VERY happy about Harry Judd he is going to be sooooo hot to watch!! I want to see Nancy do well and surprise everyone, and Anita too - I hope they get young sexy partners!! :)

Who's Audley Harrison?

I think the line-up is too old this year. There are only three celebrities aged under 30 and several in their 60s. There are also some names I did not recognize at all.

Well, here we go again ! YIPPEE ! only negative is they got rid of Arlene and then give us 3 old ladies. By the way thats not being ageist I'm an old lady myself.

It feels like I've been waiting since the non-existent summer. Lot's of rumours about who would be in the line up, and glad to see some of the names there.
Looking forward to seeing them develop and learning more about them on Zoe's show - will miss Claudia though :(

Sorry too many older contestants this year. Saying that as a woman of a certain age.

It'll be really unfair if Anton gets Edwina - the guy deserves a chance - especially after last year!
I bet 5 sequins and a bottle of instant tan that he does....

Ought so excited I can't wait good luck to all XXX

I'm sorry to disagree with some other comments but I am disappointed by this year's line up. The Ö÷²¥´óÐã could have done much better, I think. For me, there are too many "celebrities" who fall into the categories of " has beens" or "unknowns". Some of them I've never even heard of. Whether any of them are good dancers is another matter, of course. We shall see.

One thing I enjoy about Strictly is trying to work out who the so called celebrities are and why they are "celebrities" I'm pleased to see this year has not disappointed me!

It's a great shame but it would appear that from comments made by Craig Revell Horwood on Radio 5 this morning he has already made his mind up about Russell Grant.

Craig you are supposed to be a judge, at least give everyone a chance to do at least one dance before judging them! If they are not very good then fine, but you may be surprised.

Really looking forward to the new Strictly - but DO hope that this year there will be a dance-off, otherwise the results show is just pointless

The average age of the contestants is 44 which is actually one lower than last year's lot! Let's not be too quick to judge folks. Age shouldn't be an issue so long as the celebrities can dance. I think Lulu and Nancy could be very good.

I have been waiting for the line up for his years s.c.d, they are all great, but I do think that Russell Grant has been selected this year as the s.c.d clown, just like John Sergent and Anne Widdecomble last year, as some people have said please bbc give Erin and Anton someone good this year, Im looking farward to Saturday evening, it will be a very good series this year, they always seem to choose someone from the One show to compete in s.c.d has anyone notice that? they had Matt Baker last year, ok I know he was not officially presenting the show before he went on s.c.d he did the odd presenting for the show though, then there was John Sergent, and Dom Littlewood, who will they get next year from the one show?, anyway realy looking farward to Saturday evening and every Saturday evening untill the end of the series then I look farward to the christmas special
tale care everyone and happy watching of s.c.d

Yay! Great line up, Looking forward to seeing who's paired with who! Jason Donovan - what a great choice!
I'm hoping Russell Grant will be light on his feet. :D
Holly Valance should be good but I thought that about Michelle Williams last year... :P Can't wait for the show!

At long last its back and I'm feeling very posative about this bunch of celebs and Mrs dwh and I are looking forward to a great show on Saturday so I'm keeping my powder dry untill we have seen who gets who ?

I be worried about the boxer because We all know that the last boxer wasn't good as we thought he would have being. I hope he prove me wrong

Am thrilled we are about to trip the light fantastic once more. Am not going to say anything rotten about celebs yet. They all deserve a clean slate to start...yippeeeee a glass or 2 bacardi and coke on Sat night I can't wait.

Looks an exciting line-up. Better overall than last year's. Look forward to the new series. And Brucie keeps going!

Having looked at the line-up, I reckon there are only six who will do well. A bit disappointed the producers didn't go for more younger people. Looking forward to watching Zoe on ITT, I love this as much as the live shows at the weekend. Good Luck Zoe.

Since my previous comment, I'm sad to learn the results show will be shown on the Sunday night. I find this annoying. Why can't it be shown on the Saturday night after a break for the Lottery or whatever?

Totally agree with bearstedseagull (57) Especially as last year it was easy to find out who had left the show on the internet after about 10pm on the Saturday evening. Also the Sunday show was filled with pointless stuff before they actually got round to making the announcement.

Am as excited as ever for this year's SCD, line-up ok but not as good as others, lets see what happens...but will of course be watching it all. Agree with other posts that there should be a dance off, it would be better if the results were on on a Saturday, and yes, please give Erin and Anton someone half way to decent, though am sure Anton will get Edwina....

Sorry but one of the dreariest lineups ever. Getting a bit fed up with TV presenters, especially from the Beeb. Don't want Alex Jones to win but she will go far. Hope Anton gets her as finally he will have someone who looks like she can move her hips. Too obvious for the Italian Stallion to get Lulu? Give him Holly and see what he does with a tall girl! Russell will entertain & Audley will be out first.

Nobody jumps out at me that I could say would be my favourite. Lets wait and see. Just hope this series doesnt follow on like last year. In previous series a couple would get a standing ovation for doing a spectacular dance however last year they all got a standing ovation for just stepping on the dance floor. I think that takes something away from the show.

Like you all, am mad strictly fan. I have to say that I agree with PatriciaPolka; I am very disappointed in this line up. I am hoping to be proven wrong and that so many will shine and dazzle, fingers crossed.

Too many older women on the show (trying to over compensate for the ageism row of a couple of years ago?). Instead of Edwina Currie and Anita Dobson, it would have been better to have had another couple of women in their 20s, 30s or early 40s (like most of the men).

Too many joke acts too. We already have Russell Grant on the show so there is no need to have Edwina Currie as well. It's like having John Sergeant and Ann Widdecombe in the same series - too much of a good thing.

I quite like the look of this line up and welcome some more mature people with the exception of Lulu who I really can't stand ever since she wrote a book advocating natural skincare and a decent hair cut as her way of looking young when it's perfectly obvious she has a face full of fillers/botox/whatever...grrrr!
Love Zoe and looking forward to seeing her sub for the wonderful Claudia

@ Parish Spinster

I think a decent dancer might be a bit wasted on Anton because his Latin isn't quite up to scratch. I felt he let Laila down. So whilst it might be very predictable, a joke act is what he's best suited to. And he does it well!

jcan asked about the professionals and why no mention of them, well
at least I know Alion Vilani will be there ( brilliant news, as she's the best)
so hope she gets a good partner this time ...

BucksheeMcGuthrie wrote: "Too many joke acts too. We already have Russell Grant on the show so there is no need to have Edwina Currie as well."

Come on give them a chance to dance before you cast judgement. The two you have picked out may well be OK. If they are not then feel free to have a dig, but please give them a chance first. Or are you CRH in disguise?

Why can't the order of these comments be listed the other way round, as now it's necessary to scroll down all the previous ones to get to the latest ...

Is LULU using her walker or is she actually getting a partner,? give her Brucie, should go well together !!
Anita Dobson , Russell Grant, Edwina Curry ? OMG Ö÷²¥´óÐã, you're digging deep this time aren't you ?
will be a laugh to see the walkers running around the floor, don't forget to put trafic lights up,
oh and btw my money is on Alex, she's got Matt to teach her !!

I think Lulu will do ok. Being a "Pop Star" she should have musicality and rhythm which will help. She looks healthier and fitter now in her 60's than when she was at her Pop prime in the 60's.

I can't wait -At least a programme to enjoy and look forward to. Good line up I think

Anton + Holly please!!!

Oh dear what a dreary line up ? After last years fiasco in marking Matt Baker down on numerous occasions, and giving top marks to a dancer who had forgotten his steps really took the biscuit !!! I decided that this year I would not watch it well looking at the line up it wont be hard to do !! Perhaps its about time that Strictly was put to bed along with the judges !!!!

67. BadDancingBadger

I'll give them a chance and if they're good, I'll be the first to applaud. What I was trying to say is, I think the Ö÷²¥´óÐã may have got them on the show as joke acts (I might be wrong) and it was too much of a good thing.

I am not CRH in disguise daaarling. Oops, you caught me out!

Please give Anton a decent shot this year and not give him a joke contestant, and please can we have less Brucie, we have to record the show and fast forward through his segments.

65. Sid1979

I think you're being a little unkind, his jive was a mess and the samba a little too simple (though it seemed to boost her confidence). However, I enjoyed his other latin routines even if she didn't always dance them that well. I don't think she would have stayed in the competition that long with another dancer. Like last year, I think people voted for Anton not his partner.

Perhaps, as he seems so happy and confident all the time, he finds it difficult to understand how others feel and find ways to boost their confidence. Something hopefully, he'll rectify this year if he gets a good partner.

65. Sid1979.

I am compiling a list of the scores attained by each professional for each dance and am up to the Jive on Brendan Cole. And he started of low but recently has done well. His last 3 have been 36, 37 and 29. So although he may not do well at it, the scores are healthy enough.

Very underwhelmed by the line up. Haven't heard of half of them and the ones I have don't inspire me.

Basically what the Ö÷²¥´óÐã have done ( whom I respect very much and are a lot better than sky) is get the most famous lineup they could get, thinking it would make the show more attractive( which they shouldnt the show is brill already) but actually having a lot of older competitors puts young people like me off. Also, could you please bring back the dance off? It was great so the judges could get rid of the really good ones instead of having the public vote them on again and again just because they are SUPPOSEDLY funny!?

Knowing Anton's luck he'll probably get Russell Grant in drag.

I have heard that this year it is the same sex dancers? - Not too keen on this as I have been to Blackpool and saw (men) dancing together and it just does not feel the same as men and women. I have seen the same sex dancers (men) having a great time especially dancing with women but not the same with their male partners.

But on another note really really excited to see the show back on the telly. I hope that Anton gets a wonderful partner - it is about time. I feel Lulu has a good chance but on the whole it can be anyones show. Hoorah for scd

Cant wait to see Dan in all those clinging cloths he is so sexy

Great line up - Jason Donovan - well I am disappointed as he couldnt be
bothered to finish his "Sound of Music" tour - missed the last week and left
it to a stand in "was homesick" obviously not homesick now

Love the line up - watch every year even do the tours.

Anton had better get a decent partner or I'm boycotting this year

Well amy I hate to dissapoint you but my rough estimation will be Anton gets Edwina as his partner but I would not right Edwina off just yet because the nonminee for this year's Ann Widdecombe Award For Car Crash Dancing are as follows.

Russell Grant
Rory Bremner

I have a feeling that Anton might bring out the best in Edwina and I have pretty high hopes for her.

My favourites for this year are Lulu, Jason Donovan , Alex Jones and for me as a gay man Dan Lobb and Harry Sexy Bottom Judd.

My guesses on partners would be as follows.

Nancy D'elollio is a very firey woman and will need someone with plenty of fire Brendan Cole perfect.

Vincent Simone does very well with the older actresses though he didn't do to well with Stephanie Beecham they were out in the 2nd week so I think he will get the best of Anita Dobson.

Dan Lobb is 100% pure sex appeal and he needs a dance partner with 100% sex appeal anf for me Kristina Rhianoff will be perfect.

Audley Harrison unless Aliona Vilani has changed her ways of treating her men like fashion accesories he's not got a prayer.

Jason Donovan is Austrlian and he needs a another Australian to make himself at home Natalie Lowe perfect blend.

The wooden spoon, deck chair or clamped out Lada that's Russell Grant my smart money for that one is Erin Bogue.

Hot passionate partnerships this year will be Holly Valance and Pasha Kovalev the new pro dancer and Harry Sexy Bottom Judd coupled with the pro who gives a whole new meaning to the words less is more Ola Jordan these two pairings have the hot fiery passion guranteed to get to the finals and for Holly with a name like Pasha how could she go wrong.

Laters
Fergal

That is my humble opinion so far on the couples but will get a better idea after Saturday's evening's launch show.

By the way forgot to mention I might change Lulu and Anita's partners around Anita Dobson with Robin Windsor and Lulu gets Vincent Simone.

Also Chelsea Heeley I reckon should not be ruled out either because she will be getting Artem last year's winner and well she might be the dark horse for me.

Re: Karen @ 78

Which ones don't you know?

Looks like it could be an interesting year depending on the parings.

At least I have heard of most of the celebs.

Yes an interesting line up but why do we have to have folk who will inevitably be humiliated? Can't understand why they let themsleves do it - apart from the money of course!!!!! Please let Anton have someone good this year? !!!

Good line up this year, but more older I think than younger. Hope the pairings are good, and please let Anton have a good partner!!

I am so looking forward to this year, its a good line up and a good mix - I cant wait to see the pairings - bring on the sequins!

I really look forward to Strictly every year and i am very excited by the line up this time. I adore Robbie Savage and my husband is a big fan of Lulu so we will be glued to the tv every saturday. Cant Wait !!!!!

Well I am beyond giddy that Strictly is back. Havent heard of some of the "celebrities" and are retired female politicians making this their swansong? Definately wont be voting for Robbie Savage even if he turns out to be Fred Astaire re-incarnated. Anymore shimmies!!! That was soooo funny x

good line up but i am praying Anton gets a good dancer this year he has been short changed too many times

I do hope ITT is going to be on iplayer as I'm at work on the evening's, I may have to re-think my career if it isn't???????

Really looking forward to the show, I dont mind who win`s or loose`s, just so pleased its on again. Really do miss it being on bring it on.

I'm hoping that Kristina and Robin will both get partners with potential this year :):)

Re: Barbara B @ 94

So you have already decided not to vote for Robbie Savage. Given we have not even started yet, on what basis have you already refused to vote for him?

So excited. Lulu to go first. and i notice still no Karen Hardy as a judge. and why no lilia Darren and Matthew