This is in contrast to the other thread that I remember seeing, I think it was "Ricky Whittle aka Lisa Snowdon"?

Although Ali is the best female dancer this series, I cannot warm to her. Same as Rachel last year.

What's everyones thoughts about her?

Ali Bastian = Ali Bastian

Well I have warmed to her for her grit and quiet determination. There are some similarities to Rachel in the way the judges have responded to her. I seem her more as being like Natasha Kaplinski in series 1 in being quiet on not in your face. if I'm right we can expect a pretty good samba.

Personally I would DO Rachel Stevens over Ali Bastian any day - Is that what you meant?

I have warmed to Ali and think she is a wonderfull dancer , who has shown grit ,detetmination and just got on with it
Her feet were quite obviously injured and she made very little song and dance( excuse the pun ) and carried on

Then again I like Rachel too and Lisa and everyone who tried hard and entertains .

What I mean to say is - I agree Ali is the best female dancer and also techinacally very good but she comes across as bland. Maybe she needs to lighten up more. Rachel also was the best last year but also very bland!

I find Ali far more engaging - and considering all the injuries I dont think I've once seen her wiping her eyes - she just gets on with it. She's a terrific all round dancer and part of a lovely partnership.

Yes, both bland but there was just something more likeable about Rachel. She wasn't as soppy and wet.

PLUS she had a nicer bum and legs

I like both of them but for me Ali has the edge. She shown that shes not soppy and wet like some seem to think but has a steely strength and dignity of character that i find extremely engaging.

Unfortunately we're at the stage of the competition now where very few people change their opinions as they have long since decided on who they are supporting and who they don't like. Posters will defend and vote for bad dancing from their favourites and won't always acknowledge when someone they don't like does something great (and i don't exclude myself from this at times)

Personality-wise, there was nothing to like or dislike about Rachel, because we never saw any personality. Did you watch ITT that year/this year? Vincent used to do practically all the talking for them on the sofa. Can't say the same about him this year, can we?

In Ali I see an unassuming but brave young woman with a sense of humour. She's also very pretty when the make-up department don't try to make her look like Evita Peron using far too much eyeliner.

And for Trunkster, Ali seems a lot more flexible than Rachel. This may interest you.

Where are you getting brave from? She's hardly a martyr.

She's just dull and I find her irritating in interviews.

I much prefer Ali to the Rachelbot. She came across as a bit of a sparkly princess, but I hope after letting loose in the Charleston, she really gets into the tango. Get her into dark colours and lash on the eyeliner! The pretty pastels are too Disney.

I prefer Ali alot more then Rachel, and I liked Rach alot
I know my favourite (Laila) is more then likely to go on satuday but if Ali was to win I would be more than happy

Would that be all two of them, neither sufficiently serious to put her out of the competition?

What are you inferring?

That would be three of them. A torn ligament, the toe and the fall last week.

Torn ligament? Thought that was Jade.

I don't recall a torn ligament - but she was clearly given the all clear to dance by medical practitioners, so it's safe to assume she wasn't risking further damage by performing.

I think the one time I would comment on her refusal to be beaten was her paso dance off - although I do think 'brave' is too strong a world - more gutsy imo.

You know it strikes me that some posters 'label' dancers too easily and then take opportunity to share their opinion to the point of almost obsessiveness.

What do people have to do to be decreed as having a 'personality'? Just because someone isn't loud and in your face does this make you bland? Rachel and Ali are both attractive women who are talented dancers, if the only thing posters can find to comment is their perceived 'blandness'. well whatever makes you happy.

Ali strikes me as someone who is bubbly and determined and I think that a lot more people as seeing another side of her after Saturday's show and where some people get 'soppy and wet' from I have no idea.

I wonder who next year's 'bland' woman will be or are we due a 'smug'?

I think it's 'fake's turn next year. Agree with all you say. Lovely girl and a good dancer.

I quite like Ali and wouldnt be fussed if she won infact if Chris wasnt in the final I would probably vote for her, but her 'little girl' look does tend to get a bit wearing.

She isnt as good a dancer as Rachel I dont think.

Do you think Ali is in the league of Alesha Dixon, Mark Ramprakash, Jill Halfpenny, Jade Johnson and even Jodie Kidd (to name a few)? In dance, yes - but in terms of personality wise, No! All of them had personalities, bought fun to the dance floor imo. If Ali lets herself loose enough then I might change my mind -yes, she IS the best dancer this year no doubt about it, but apart from that I dont feel anything.

I would even vote for Chris Hollins if my favourite Laila were to lose out.

Mind you, I dont know her in real life so I cant say anything more than that but this is the impression I get.

You're falling into the same trap you accuse others of falling into.

Because you find Ali's 'personality' appealing, you criticise the opinion of those who don't agree.

I find Ali bland, I always think she simpers; she simply doesn't incite any enthusiasm: unlike Rachel last year - who I did find exciting.

Rachel was actually a far better dancer. Ali is more like Cherie Lunghi...but the latter was stuck with an unpopular professional partner.