It struck me whilst watching ITT this evening how much i'm liking Ola and her partnership with Chris this year, having never really rated her before.

Is there anyone who's gone up (or down!) in your estimations?

For me it's Kristina. I really liked her last year and thought she put up with a lot from the judges and the media. However, I do feel that she's actually courting the same sort of publicity this year. I can accept that Joe is not a natural dancer, but he's younger and fitter than JS yet her choreography is making him look worse. The final straw for me was the cape and belt, a gimmick to far imho.

Ola. I like her this year where I've never really paid her much attention in the past.

anton has gone even further down in my estimation...

She and Chris are so sweet and funny. I also like Ricky Groves- he has imrpved a lot since his forsat dance. One of those two to win

Didn't like before but like now: Ola, Len and Brendan.

Liked before but no longer: Kristina.

Was indifferent about but like now: Flavia

Was indifferent about but dislike now: Anton (and I promise you, not because of the race row.)

This is the first year i've really found myself aware of Anton's limitations as a dancer as a teacher: I feel a sense of impending doom for Laila...

Even if they get through this week they will have to do the Samba next week

Flavia seems different this year as though her heart really isn`t in it .

Yeah- I can understand why people might think that.... this is a new experience for Flav though.....

So far shes had 2 people go out in the first week, and a finalist....

She's got a weak one this year, he's survived a few weeks now, but hes prob not got enough potential to get near the final, so its a bit of a pointless endeavour... and she's not had to face this situation before.

Changes for me:

Kristina- fond of her last year.... losing affection a little now.
Brian- opposite- was lukewarm last year, love him now!
Anton- was indifferent, building up quite a dislike now
Vincent- liking him more now the Latino Lover Lover act has been put to bed (no pun intended!) The Lothario thing never did much for me...
Brendan- amazingly not annoyed me this year yet!!

.... finally.....


Len!! NOT annoying me so far this year!!

Yes, I've change my mind about Brucie. Used to think he was a legend; now I just see him as a joke. Can't bear to watch him anymore. Time to make way for Vernon Kay to team up with his missus.

Craig Kelly: Thought he would be somewhat good and fun to watch, but he wasn't good (which is still not a deal breaker in and of itself) AND he's really tedious to watch when he's dancing.

Phil: Thought he would be tedious to watch, but turned out to be quite a fun character and he's not half as bad as a dancer!

That makes her sound worse to me Not going to do well so won`t bother because it`s pointless ?

Hmmmm, not for me.

Flavia - I agree that she doesn't seem like her heart is in it. She comes across as quite subdued and doesn't look very happy this year. I don't dislike her (never did) but her personality isn't coming through at all.
James - I fancied him someting rotten last series but his new haircut has changed my mind!
Kristina - Loved her last series but getting seriously fed up now.
Ola - I wasn't crazy over her partnership with Andrew Castle but I adore her with Chris.

One of the main things about this year is how much I have changed my mind about some people.

Erin - never warmed to her before but I love her this year. She seems to be much more fun and jovial.

Vincent - used to irritate me soooo much but I love him this year, he makes me laugh.

Craig - never warmed to him as a judge but I'm loving him this year (the only one on the panel with even a toe in the realm of realistic scoring!)

Brian - again not keen last year, this year I love him.

As far as the contestants go, I thought I would hate Ricky G but he is one of my favourites and I normally dislike the overcompetative sporty celebs but I like Jade very much.

Still really dislike James though Maybe I will mellow by next year.

Loving James and Ola this year.
Like Brian but he needs to bring out Ali's personality more.

I was all prepared to dislike Jo Wood but she's actually incredibly sweet and likeable.

The same can not be said of Anton and Bruce, both of whom I really liked before this series. However, mainly from what I have heard in the media, their persona drops when the camera stops.

Brian - a bit flat and anonymous last year - excellent this year!

JJ

Amazingly Brendan who I've found arm chewingly annoying in past years has been lovely with Jo

Also Jo herself who I thought would be beyond irritating but is sweet and hard working and never moans

Kristina - thought she held herself with grace and humour last year as chaos descended. This year she seems just annoyed that she's got another dud.

Flavia who I usually like - who doesn't really seem to be trying with Craig and seems to just want it to be over

Vincent whose italian stallion thing has now worn soooo thin it's virtually transparent

len has (so far) not really really annoyed me this year

Craig is obviously not popular as no-one is voting for him to survive. Flavia must know this and is just waiting for the end. Even if Craig got better you are either popular or not and hes not. He reminds me of Gethin in that Gethin was rubbish at the start but Gethin was always popular and thats the difference.

Ups: Ola - absolutely love her partnership with Chris, they are adorable together and they could end up being one of my favourite couples ever! James - still don't love him, but he seems less arrogant this year, hope he and Zoe go far.

Downs: Kristina and Flavia- although I think they are amazing dancers and could watch them for hours, I'm starting to think they're not very good teachers. Kristina makes up routines that make her look good and Flavia can't seem to connect with Craig. Darren - can't really explain this one, except that he makes me feel uncomfortable when I watch him dance and talk. Strange since I loved his partnership with Jill.

Kristina & Ola: Last year I loved Kristina and barely noticed Ola; this year it's the other way round.

Brendan: He's almost freaking me out by how nice he's being towards Jo but I think he realises that she doesn't stand a chance of winning so, for once, he's being supportive rather than competitive.

Erin: Is a lot more relaxed and less uptight than last year, which is good.

I really thought Chris Hollins would be a non-entity this year, but he's proved me wrong. I think he's one of the best personalities this year, and his partnership with Ola makes me smile and laugh.

I thought Ricky G would be annoying, but I actually really impressed with this attitude.

I normally have a love/hate relationship with Brendan, but his year I love him (with only a tiny little bit of hate)