Laila's done pretty well in terms of judges' scores even when she's had a bad week.

She has, largely speaking, been awarded higher marks than Chris, and is one of the few celebs to top the leaderboard this series whose name isn't Ricky Whittle or Ali.

She produced a couple of perfectly acceptable dances this week to avoid the dance-off and see the hugely popular Natalie and the hugely talented Ricky end up in there ahead of her.

So why is everyone seemingly writing off the idea that she could end up in the semis ahead of Chris? Do we really think that what happened to Natalie couldn't happen to Team Cola? Do we really think Laila doesn't deserve to be there ahead of Chris?

I mean, personally I'd say no way should Chris go next week, but given that LL's crystal ball has been decidedly smeared this series, I'm throwing the possibility out there...

Yes - it is strange that in all the permutations of the final 2 no one has mentioned Laila and Anton.

I think there is every chance of her being there - and wouldn't be unhappy to see it.

I don't want to write her off she's my absolute favourite, I'm just trying to be realistic and also sometimes it's easier not to spend all your time fighting a losing battle on the forum.

It seems to be generally expected she'll go next week, and she might well but who knows. If Laila comes out all guns blazing and demonstrates the kind of attitude she did this week she'll do herself a lot of favours. She's more than capable and I for one hope she's still in with a fighting chance.

I'd disagree with the part in bold.

Laila's one of the few celebs that hasn't benefitted from overly generous marks (I think Chris is the other - perhaps that's why I find myself rooting for them!). I thought her Paso, Charleston and possibly her VW were better than her scores indicated. And when she struggled (e.g. with her Cha Cha, Jive and Waltz), the marks reflected that.

I'd like to see her through to the semis, along with Chris. But I realise that the likelihood of both my favourites progressing is low.

I'd say they are pretty evenly matched in terms of ability though. Laila's Ballroom is a touch better but then Chris has the added difficulty of leading.

It wouldn't be a travesty if one progressed at the expense of the other.

"No longer" a threat would imply that she ever was. I've considered many people a "threat" to the front runners - even Natalie or Phil or Craig - but never Laila.

I quite like Laila ... in that she's fine with showing herself grumpy on VTs, rather than trying to be painted-on ballroom smile happy for the whole series. Jade was much the same. I think her ballroom hasn't been as well marked as it might have been, maybe cos there's some judge's perception that Anton ought to be able to make anyone half-decent look great in ballroom. And her latin has not been as good, maybe cos she doesn't have a lot of enthusiasm for it, or maybe because Anton can't teach her to have as much enthusiasm for it, cos he doesn't either.

I'd be fine with seeing her in a final. Given the scoring record she has with the judges, however, I don't see any non-fantasy combo of scores where she will avoid a DO next week though. And since I think Chris will manage to avoid a DO next week by public vote, no matter where he finishes on the judges' board, I only see Laila coming against Ali or Ricky. One of them might break a leg in the DO, but failing that (and even that might not be enough), I don't see any way the judges won't be sending her home.

I've just started to see her as a contender. She started well but then seemed to fall by the wayside. I've tended to write her off because of Anton's appalling Latin which seemed to have rubbed off on her. Rather than saying she's no longer a threat, I'd say she could possibly become one.

I think she will "limp" all the way to the final!

If Laila is up against Chris next week in the dance off she should win, as she is a far superior dancer. If she is up against Ali or Ricky she is out.

I agree that she would win against Chris, although I wouldn't go as far as saying she is 'a far superior dancer'. However, I think Chris' popularity will keep him out of the dance-off. That's just guesswork though.

Chris might be really popular but Ricky is a much better dancer...... I don't get why no-one rates him?!? Have I missed something?

The perception seems to be widespread that Chris is dominating the televote and that the voting is consistent.

On past form Laila's unlikely to benefit from the kind of protection usually given to Ali and Ricky by the judges.

As such, I would expect her to be the outsider with most forecasters.

I keep in mind that the result at this stage last year was a surprise to many people.