I'm inclined to agree with the OP. There was a six point gap between 2nd & 3rd place on the judges leader board tonight. Neither of the front runners particularly inspire me tbh. Jade and Ian as a couple were exciting and exotic, and it'll certainly be less colourful without them.
With Tuffers going last week, and Jade having to pull out, that only really leaves Chris to possibly have a Goughie moment towards the end and suddenly 'get it'. I'm also naturally upset at my fave pro having the best chance of winning since Zoe Ball, only for it to be cruelly snatched away. Oh, and another thing. I had truly warmed to Jade. I think she represented a double first by not only being a tall girl who could do latin, but also a female sports person who was actually popular!