Just looking at the DS poll there (and presuming that it reflects the general voting, which seems likely), Mikey now seems to be so far ahead in popularity, that there is very little chance that anyone else could possibly beat him. Or even get close.

So do you think Mikey is the new Ray, and is going to walk this now, or is there anyone else who you think could (realistically) challenge him?

Personally, if I was a bookmaker, I think I'd be stopping taking bets on him winning by now!

I hope Mikey breaks his leg and has to pull out to make it more exciting.

I like Mikey and its rather cruel to wish that on anyone.....apart from Jason

Dr Hilary must be VERY popular!

Don't take too much notice of what our polls say - remember Janice Dickinson!!

No. In fact, it's not good he's popular so early on.

People like Daniella & Gary will come to the front later on in the series.

Also remember Chris Fountain - DS poll from week 4 2008

Tim and Victoria 6 2.36%
Chris and Frankie 108 42.52%
Aggie and Sergey 2 0.79%
Greg and Kristina 10 3.94%
Suzanne and Matt 37 14.57%
Steve and Susie 2 0.79%
Linda and Dan 13 5.12%
Gareth and Maria 36 14.17%
Zaraah and Fred 40 15.75%

Ray was a one horse race last year as he could skate before he started, this year it could be Hayley/Gary/Danny/Mikey or Daniella

I think this year is a little closer in terms of ability compared to last year. Ray actually could have passed as a professional skater, he was so good. Mikey is undoubtedly popular, but he has some way to go to reach Ray's ability level.

Also I think many people have been pleasantly surprised by Danniella's performances and Hayley and Daniel top the board each week, so they must be in with a shout. Danny and Kieron seem to have slipped behind a little, but they could still catch up. Gary is still a contender IMO.

how will it make it more exciting

We know Haley will win it then

I think Mikey will win unless something really surprising happens. He ticks the personality box, he's not so good that he can't improve a lot, so he has the journey card, he looks good and confident on the ice and he has a decent chemistry with his partner. Can't really see past him ATM.

I hope Daniella can make the final though.

Thats not nice, i wouldn't wish an injury like that on anyone. It isn't just a one horse race, Its between Hayley/Daniella/Mikey imho.

I doubt face ache is gonna win... if Mikey doesn't It will be Gary or Daniella... I would like Kieron in the frame but I think he's a bit behind the top 5.

I don't want Hayley to win. I don't mind Mikey or Daniella winning-I think it's far better if there isn't an obvious winner right at the start!

I'm getting to the stage where I don't care who wins!

I love it. Good name for her. I could think of some as well like cheesy or overrated.

I dont think it's set in stone that Mikey will because Daniella and Gary are very good and anyone of them could win. I like Mikey and Mel-they work well together but i like Daniella and Matthew and Gary and Maria.

The thing with Ray was, he was topping the leaderboard AND getting the public vote.
Mikey isn't topping the leaderboard every week!

I think its too early to say who is going to win. Anything could happen and Mikey isn't that much better than anyone else atm

Ray was leagues ahead of any of the competition

Before opening this thread I thought you were going to say that the one horse race is referring to Hayley who is clearly the best skater. Obviously though that doesnt guarantee a winner.

Definitely not. I don't see what all the fuss is about re: Mikey TBH. He is good but bland. I think there are 4 potential contenders. For me, it's between Hayley and Daniella for the girls and Gary and Danny for the boys. The girls are more consistent week on week but the boys are more enjoyable to watch for me - if they continue to improve and find the consistency they need they could walk it.

I could think of some for Daniella but I'm too polite to use them.

Me too

It shouldn't be. Hayley & Dan should well be in the two horse race

There's still 8 weeks to go so there are going to be a few twists & turns yet.

With Gary & Danny already being in the skate off and Emily & Hilary obviously doing well in the public vote, I have a feeling that we might see those 2 involved in a shock skate off in the next couple of weeks. That would knock out one of the contenders.

Hope I'm wrong though.

i might shock everyone but i think that people may warm to sharron