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I really enjoyed the first week of Strictly and I am looking forward to this weekends entertainment. The salsa has been given an extra edge this time with 3 lifts allowed so it will be interesting to see how those are incorporated in to the different routines.

My only concern is that I don't feel a lot of thought has been given this year in to who does what dance. We had 8 Cha Cha Chas to 6 Waltzes last week when they should have split it farely and given us 7 of each and this week rather than splitting it farely or doing like I suggested in counterbalancing that with 8 Foxtrots and 6 Salsas they have once again given us 8 Salsas to 6 Foxtrots. I accept that the latin dances (when done well) get the party started but Latin has been a weeksuit for more celebs than the ballroom and it means that 2 celebs (Russell and Holly) are having to do latin 2 weeks running and therefore it will cloud the viewing publics ability to make a fair call on how good they are.

I remember that was an issue 2 or 3 series ago when Gary Rhodes danced with Karen. Gary was bottom of the leader board following his Cha Cha Cha and having been saved by the public he had to do a Jive the following week. Okay he did better with his Jive than his Cha Cha Cha but he still finished bottom and this time got voted off. So the scores suggested the decision was correct but he could have been great at ballroom but never got a shot at it.

Will we be saying something similar about Holl or Russell? Only time will tell

I'm looking forward to EVERYTHING! Can Jase and Kristina stay top of the leaderboard, can Anton choreograph a decent salsa for Nancy, will Holly look at the camera, can Russell be camper than last week (did you see the design for his costume on last night's ITT?), will Lulu remember her steps, will Natalie tread on Audley's toes, will Harry crack a smile, how fab will Robbie look in a tailcoat, will Edwina submit to Vincent's lead, does Rory have any hip action, how will Anita cope out of ballroom hold, will Chelseeeeeeee enchant us as much as Week 1, will there be a pro dance, what will Tess be wearing, will Brendan fall down the stairs again, questions, questions....and still more than 24 hours to go

Pasopeter. I completely agree with you. One ballroom one latin each before the public vote. That's the deal. The producers have let us, the viewers, down. If Holly or Russell lose out I'm going down to Wood Lane to chain myself to the railings - if there are any - in protest ;):)

Great that 3 lifts are being allowed for the Salsa dancers thats going to be fun to watch and will favour Brendan and Lulu, Dan and Katya, Chelsee and Pasha, Audley and Natalie and or course Artem and Holly. Think we could very well have a change at the top of leader board this week with Holly and Artem overtaking Jason and Kristina. Really looking forward to seeing Lulu, Jason, Dan, Audley, Holly, Harry and Anita. It's got to be Nancy and poor old Anton favourites for an early bath!

Hi all,

Top 10 favourites for me this week are in no particular order.

Jason and Kristina
Holly and Artem
Harry and Aliona
Chelsee and Pasha
Lulu and Brendan( As long as she doesn't forget the script)
Anita and Robin
Vincent and Edwina(They only make it into my top 10 because they are doing foxtrot and I expext glitz from Edwina and Edwina if she did Salsa it would be like getting my wisdom tooth extracted on Saturday you just want to make it stop)
Russell and Flavia(Just for the creation he will wear and if he can carry on camping it will be an added bonus)
Alex and James(Yes okay I said they didn't set the world on fire last week but James is a great pro at ballroom should carry it off no problem .
Robbie and Ola(Only thing I would say Robbie gel the hair back a lot)

I stand by my danger list that I made only change I've made is that it is 3 way danger list Lulu has been put into my top 10 if she can prove that last week was just a rehearsal.

Audley and Natalie and Dan and Katya(Yes the mental picture of two guys on a bender at a stag do is still there)
Nancy and Anton(Oh dear oh dear oh dear is all I can say it won't be Nancy who blows this troutine sky high but Anton as I said before Anton stick to what you know not what you don't and in my opinion Anton Du Beke is the worst Latin dancer amongst the pros Nancy has just signed for her taxi ride home and her coat)

Oh sorry forgot about Rory and Erin so this is a 4 way Danger List now.

Audley and Katya and Dan and Natalie( Two men on a stag do bender)
Rory and Erin(Embarassing grandad hitting the gins pretending to be getting down with the kids)
Anton and Nancy(Plenty of props meets worst Pro Latin Dancer meets Italy's biggest pre Madonna no chance book the taxi home and have your feather boa and furs at the door Nancy darling)

Keeeep Dancing

Now I'm going into town so will debate on my choices later but I leave you with this $64,000 question should get some debate going.

If the couples on my danger list get saved who would you rate for the bottom two on the results show on Sunday night.

I will make a decision based on the replies given.

Keeeep Dancing

In relation to Holly and Russell Passopetertangoedtony both couples will be doing foxtrot and in my opinion will answer that one for you.

No brainer for me even though Russell will do a showstopper of a Foxtrot but will come no where nearer to matching Holly and Artem because the difference being Holly has Artem last years winner, believes in ultimate perfection not camping it up and as far as I'm concerned style wins over camp every single time Holly and Artem for me.

And that is no matter what dance routine they get because if anyone has anyone recollection of last year I hope I'm right Kara and Artem never recieved any harsh criticisism from the judges their marks early doors were in the middle and if my memory serves me right they never were in the bottom two for thew whole series.

I could be wrong but this proves my point over which couple will win out no matter what dance choice they are given as I believe Artem is versatile he can multi task between all varities of dance Latin and Ballroom

Fergal - Both Russell & Flavia and Holly & Artem are doing a Salsa NOT a Foxtrot.

Chances are their first ballroom dances will be next week with a Quickstep or a Tango.

Thank you Mrs Arcanum though I'm going to stick with my top 10 and danger list though.

I also thought it was couples who did a Latin the week before did a ballroom this week swap the dances over one set of 7 does a Latin while the other set of 7 does a Ballroom because I really had Russell and Flavia down for a ballroom they are still in my top 10 but Russell needs to show his skills in Ballroom as well as Latin.

Keeeep Dancing

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, but especially Anita and Robin, Harry and Aliona and Lulu and Brendan. Can't. Wait.

I don't see Nancy as a prima donna. I've seen her on a couple of shows this week and I think she is jokily acting the part. I thought her changing facial expressions (when Anton thumped her on the back whilst she sat on the chaise longue) showed true potential as a comic actress.

She has denied saying unkind things about Edwina. it seems to be a rather silly press/media invention to me.

I am fully prepared to be proved wrong, but I'd rather give her the benefit of the doubt. She needs another crack at the whip before she is written off.

The problem with Nancy is even if she is joking I'm afraid most of us don't get the joke - I'm pretty sure she and Anton will be leaving this week - but if I'm wrong, who would you pick to go instead of her - everyone looks like they have upped their game this week looking at the latest rehearsal video released. What do you think?

pasopeter, I agree with everything you said, especially this:

"I accept that the latin dances (when done well) get the party started but Latin has been a weeksuit for more celebs than the ballroom and it means that 2 celebs (Russell and Holly) are having to do latin 2 weeks running and therefore it will cloud the viewing publics ability to make a fair call on how good they are.

I remember that was an issue 2 or 3 series ago when Gary Rhodes danced with Karen. Gary was bottom of the leader board following his Cha Cha Cha and having been saved by the public he had to do a Jive the following week. Okay he did better with his Jive than his Cha Cha Cha but he still finished bottom and this time got voted off. So the scores suggested the decision was correct but he could have been great at ballroom but never got a shot at it."

I don't like the fact that there are lifts in the salsa. I always thought that lifts should only be seen in the show dance with the American Smooth giving a taster of what we can expect in the final. I fear that allowing lifts in the salsa is a slippery slope and I wouldn't be surprised that eventually all dances will showcase lifts and will end up all looking the same and there will be nothing to look for come the final.

Hi Poshfrock,

What did you think of Rory's training video? I think he & Erin will dance a good salsa!

I have to agree with all those who would have liked to see each couple perform both Latin and ballroom - I can't see why that couldn't be the case.

First couple to go home? Hard call, now - a week ago I would have said Nancy and Anton for sure, but I find myself warming to her this week. As we all should know by now, it's not often about the dancing at this stage, it's more about the personality portrayed by the meedja, so we shall see. I fear for Robbie and Ola (another sleb I thought I wouldn't like, but find myself wanting to stay in so he can take the fabled 'journey') and perhaps Erin and Rory, unless they have an attention-grabbing salsa routine. One of the many fascinations of Strictly - why the GBP vote the way they vote (and I include myself!)
I wish all the couples the very best of luck for tomorrow - whatever happens, they will have been part of the best entertainment TV offers (IMHO)

Point taken PoshFrockAndFeatheredBoag but I have a feeling if anyone let's this partnership down tomorrow night it will be Anton.

At least if Nancy had a good pro partner skilled at Latin then at least she could have stood a chance she's got a partner who has ballroom dancing as his main dance category and Anton frankly is not good at Latin I'll give Nancy the benefit of the doubt perhaps it was the media having a dig but if they go home on Sunday night the blame in my opinion will be down to Anton

Okay then if the 4 on the danger list and frankly I want to see my top 10 safe for next week but if it had to come down to it my choices if it was based on last week's routines bottom two for me would be.

James and Alex
Brendan and Lulu

Reasons being James and Alex's Cha Cha was mechanical rather robotic and lacked sparkle and fire. Lulu and Brendan Lulu forgot the script and lost her memory and frankly Foxtrot is a tricky dance routine full of steps and moves mostly in the footwork and if if Nancy gets saved I reckon if Lulu forgets the script on this one she's going home.

Hello Strictlyites - back from being blown around and watered on in Amsterdam oh yes and hail - yay autumn....

Enjoyed ITT tonight - noticed that Zoe's heels were about 3 inches shorter than the rest of the week - could be because she had to hack it over to the SCD studio in Bolt record time....

I am still quite ambivalent on who I may vote for this season (figuratively since those not in the UK can vote) though of course nothing could ever change my mind that Artem is the most gorgeous and talented dancer EVER to set foot on the SCD dance floor. Everyone has plus punts en min punts but I guess we will see once the discerning viewing public has voted.

Anyway have a good evening one and all, I shall pop back to see what is being said, dont blow away and till the morrow. Keeeep Dancing Strictlyites!

BTW - do totally agree that if the voting off is not to begin until the 2nd live show, then the couples should be showing off 2 styles of dancing. Latin or ballroom first week and of course vice versa the 2nd week.

Couples doing one style 2 weeks in a row does not make sense. Take note please Ö÷²¥´óÐã.

Salsa - oh lordy lordy - Mark "hips" Ramprakash........

I don't agree it will be Lulu whose at risk this week, dancing the foxtrot she's in hold which will give her the confidence she needs and Brendan isn't going to let go of her! They look good in their rehearsal footage and Lulu seems to have the steps. No I'm sure it will be Nancy whose in danger this week - the public just haven't taken to her for whatever reason - I liked Rory and Erin's dance last week, but dancing the salsa Rory looks extremely self-conscious, so he and Erin could find themselves near the bottom this week, but I hope not. Edwena looks to have taken to the foxtrot quite well and she and Victor I think will be safe. Russell should be ok camping his salsa up for laughs this week - but expect people will begin to tire of this and expect Russell to at least try and dance a proper ballroom dance which he's sceduled to do the following week I think.

After reading the newspaper articles about the raunchy costumes and sexy routines I am appaled to think some people think that way , these Professional Dancers are beautiful striking women that I have ever seen on any reality TV Dance Show and they should be allowed to wear what ever they want within reason to accentuate there beauty and body lines and they should certanly not have been told how to do there choreography routines from other non dancing people, as these Professional Dancers have been training since a young age and have developed the expertise in choreography , so please back off and let them do there work . Iam sure these people would not like to have been told how to do there job , " IF IT'S TOO HOT IN THE KITCHEN GET OUT " So why is this year any different to any other year .

I'll just put in my twopen'th.....

Definitely Safe:

Holly and Artem
Harry and Aliona
Chelsee and Pasha
Jason and Kristina

Less safe:
Robbie and Ola
Audley and Natalie
Anita and Robin

On dodgy ground:

Lulu and Brendan
Edwina and Vincent
Alex and James
Russell and Flavia
Nancy and Anton
Rory and Erin
Dan and Katya

If it's someone like Dan who finds themselves in the bottom two he will be voted off whatever because people vote for those they know and nobody knows who he is. That's the flaw in the format. It's all about the cult of personality.

Personally I think Lulu should go. I don't like Nancy but I think she had a raw deal last week. I don't think Anton was not taking his role seriously and making a joke out of everything, it was just one of those unfortunately things. If she mucks up the salsa, she's got no chance.

Here we go.....

Safe:
Jason
Harry
Holly
Chelsee

Fairly safe:
Anita
Alex
Russell
Robbie
Lulu

Unsafe:
Edwina
Nancy
Dan
Rory
Audley

Morning all!

Hi Ojtocs - I agree with your list and feel that the two couples most likely to see themselves in the bottom 2 will be Edwina and Audley.

I will most probably be voting for Anita--because the sheer joy she feels about dancing is nearly palpable even in rehearsal.

I also can't wait to see what Jason and Kristina have lined up. If he can do ballroom as well as Latin then he'll be the man I back.

I do hope Audley gets some proper dancing shoes, as surely his flat footed look would be reduced by a Cuban heel.

Really looking forward to seeing Jason's foxtrot since it looked brilliant in training and high praise from Ian on ITT

Hi everyone!

Fergol, you have read my mind. I have the same favourintes and in the same order. Incredible! The very good luck to all!

We need to vote for our favourites even if we think they are safe. Nobody is safe, we have learnt from the past.

Hi all,

Just got back from the dentists never again got sticthes and like those stitches hearing about Nancy's next set of demands is more painful to read about.

Sealjay you have the same predictions as me but I must disagree with one you have put in your least safe category Anita and Robin they got the popular vote from the judges last week unless there is a major blunder I reckon they are guranteed saves for me.

Also Russell and Flavia on dodgy ground have to disagree again because I liked Russell last week and if he can bring that much fun to the Cha Cha last week I'm looking forward to how much fun he can bring to the Salsa and as we have seen everyone votes for the comedy act and I would rate Russell as one f my favourites.

Though I do agree with you about Lulu and Brendan she forgets the script this week she's definitley in the bottom two if it goes to the bottom two betwen her and Nancy then she might just be saved by the skin of her teeth.

And Figaro glad we share the same views I wonder if our reviews of tonights show will compare.

Only 1 hor and 10 minutes to go till showtime.

Keeeeep Dancing

But on recent series dances may look good on paper but when it comes to the voting the scoreboard has been turned totally on it's head by the GBP.

Anyone could go

Just a thought

Good evening Strictlyites! 58 minutes and counting!

Fergal - deepest sympathy on the trip to the dentist. Have a glass of something on me.

As one who is left out of the voting - I have to rely on the GBP to vote sensibly -but just seeing the pig zip past my 2nd story window - aint gonna happen.....

Still looking forward to all the dances and comments

First of all it's great to have Strictly back on the TV, and secondly many congratulations to Bruce Forsyth for becoming Sir Bruce Forsyth, a knighthood that was so long overdue I was beginning to wonder whether it would happen, and I'm very pleased that it now has. I have to say after watching Russell Grants performance last night I have never laughed so much at the choice of track for him to dance to! Poor Russell is getting some stick for being seriously camp, but I secretly think that he is loving it. Thanks Ö÷²¥´óÐã TV for brightening up my Saturday and Sunday nights! I think that Jason Donovan will win it this year, he can certainly dance.

Can't stand Artem he thinks too much of himself always showing off his body I don't want him to win strictly again and I don't think he will. I hope Jason or Chelsee win that girl can really dance from what I saw last night but Jason is my favourite to win.