Noticed Pasha initiating a little twirl with Aliona as they were leaving the red carpet - which I'm taking as a good sign.

We will have to wait to seem them paired up, but at least they will be getting stuck in to find out what directions they can go in and how they get on.
Whoever it is could have a fun time - if they just remember the first rule of Aliona Club.

So now we know it's Johnny

The chances of another glitterball are of course slim, but I'm hoping that provided they get past the first week 'lottery' they could go have a good run.

I grew up watching Johnny presenting and think he will have more of a fan base than some people on these forums realise.

Go Team Jali! Or whatever they get called!

Someone else will have to start the Johnny and Aliona appreciation thread as the normal posting text box does not recognise anything I type into it so the only access I have is through the quick reply text box.

Johnny is a gentleman, with a sense of humour and I'm sure will give it his best shot. Its maybe fair to say that dancewise, we are learning that Zoe's mum has the dance gene. They both have a gret sense of humour, so I think Joliona is maybe the most fitting team name as at least they will get on well and have a good time.

Who is that girl Nikki who asks the inane questions?

Mumble.... numbers... Pi is a number.... what's your favourite pie? WTF?

A thread has now been started

Thanks teeswolf.

what a strange series this has been - no Aliona still at least we will get to see her in the Christmas Special

The boot is no longer on the other foot now olivej, so I'm hoping to see some good pro dances involving Aliona in a few weeks.
The pro dances have been generally OK this year but nothing outstanding yet.

When Aliona and Matthew got knocked out early in Series 7 (interesting that no-one made much of Matthew not getting Martina further in the competition) they got together and produced the Hip-Hop Samba. I'm expecting Pasha to make the final with Kimberley, so there may not be an opportunity for an Aliona & Pasha special, but I hope there will be.

Hmm, I know she is free of the boot I dont think we will see much in the way of solo pro dances tbh - I am assuming she will probably be in the group ones with Pasha but she has got to be so careful that she doesnt do any more damange, her ankle will still be quite weak but I know she is having physio to strengthen her ankle so fingers crossed

If only she was still dancing with Artem, I'd say he will be out soon with Fern and then they could've done dances together...its been a long time since the amazing hiphop samba, I can't wait for another Aliona creation like that!

maybe they will bring back Matthew to give her a dance partner who is available to choreography with her.......

Nah - wishful thinking - this is the BBC!!

We can dream though Olivej!!! Aww they were such a good partnership, I love that interview with them about the pro tour, they were adorable together, seemed to really get along

2 more show till Ali's back....will we make it?! It was painful watching tonight without her...didn't even get a glimpse in the crowd.

she wasnt there

Oh Just presumed she was somewhere we couldn't see since she had been there the other weeks Hope she's recovering well. Pasha and Iveta did a great job, but wish it had been Ali.

After making a good impression as the 'Brendan' of this year, Iveta has now returned to the States, so that may be a sign that Aliona's return is imminent? Hopefully.

I was just about to ask Olive if she had any news on Aliona, and see someone has posted info.

I can't believe that Aliona is the reigning champ, and apart from her injury, seems to have been totally sidelined by the BBC.

As an Artem fan, I am not the only one wishing Aliona was still Artem's pro partner. They looked good together on the last tour.

Is there any news? It seems like ages. We haven't even seen her in the audience lately.

Well she's coming back on the 17th of November which I think is the Wembley show which is amazing news.

From Hayley

It will be good to have Aliona back.

I haven't seen a really good pro dance yet this year, although most have been OK.
With less competitors, there should be more time available for pro dances so I hope we shall see something memorable in the weeks to come.

Hopefully Aliona will be 100% recovered.

" ‏@AlionaVilani
It's been a long time since @MattCutler123 and I danced together!..but we are working again on a dance performance project...very excited "

Ahhhh it's like a dream come true!! Im overly excited already Literally the two cutest people reunited!

Great news! Seems Aliona has fully recovered from her leg injury now. Matthew Cutler is my favourite pro so I am looking forward to see their dance. Their dance routine could be exciting, adventurous and inventive, at least I hope!

Fantastic news! It was Matt and Aliona's pro dances that got me hooked on Strictly.

Anyone remember the Hip Hop Samba? My favourite pro dance of all

Yep! Loved the lighting, their timing was so good, liked the way Matthew sat down one time to let Aliona have a section on her own and the kiss at the end was indicative of how well they match each other.
Aliona more extrovert and Matthew more quiet, but both full of ideas and they come up with some very entertaining dances. Still love Matthew's CCC for Alesha.

I'm sure they have a lot more they can create to impress dance-wise.

yes!!!!!!!!!! my fav pro dance of all time too

really looking forward to seeing Aliona and Matt dancing together again

Last I heard, there's a bit of a pay dispute going on for the tour, but assuming that's sorted, they will be trying to line up the cast soon.

Not too many star turns in the Celebs this year.
Kimberley may not do it and Nicky would be unlikely to because of his kids. Lisa maybe and Dani probably.
Denise and Louis might be the star turns, but would Vincent and Flavia be doing their Midnight Tango Tour? Which raises the question - who would Aliona dance with?

If it was Louis, you'd expect it would be the third landslide year in a row for Aliona.
Who else could they get to do the tour that could dance well? It could be difficult to put the cast together this year.