I have feeling this has do with what he said last year to Laila and the Beeb have punished him for that, if not can someone put right if am wrong

I think he and Anne maybe in for a very early exit this year bjudge by the group dance, but the public may save and like the 'underperformer' she could go far but doubt that

I don't think it's punishment; I think they realised that Anton (I love him so feel mean saying this) isn't as strong as the other pros at latin, so will hold his partner back in half of the dances, therefore shouldn't get someone who is likely to be good.

It's not a punishment, it's a blessing!

He will go far with Anne. They are the light relief this year.

I just don't think Anton is cut out to partner a serious contender. His Latin is too weak. He's a hindrance. I expect the Beeb have accepted that and so has Anton. He took being partnered with Anne in good humour. He knew it was coming!

Not a very kind thing to say, bingoman.

I am not an Anton fan, but I do feel sorry for him this year.

I'm not sure it's a punishment, but the Producers have clearly got a 'role' for Anton hence why he escaped the cull!

I only think it would be deemed punishment if they get to the final and lifts are invoved!

I like Anton, OK his Latin isn't as strong as the others but he has character and good humour. I dont think he has ever had a chance in strictly and he knows it but he comes back year after year

I can't wait for the weeks when they have to dance the Rhumba and American Smooth.

Anton was kept on the show specifically for Ann there was never any doubt that he wouldnt get her as a partner.

Perhaps he didn't mean it to be unkind. I too feel the beeb have been unkind and maybe someone is holding a grudge. Which I think is unfair. I love Anton and thought he was treated badly last year, far too much read into it. But let's move on and cheer him and Ann to having a great time. She might surprise a lot of us.

I suppose there's no chance of him making a racially inappropriate comment this year, unless Ann gets a really strong spray tan of course, Wouldn't put it past him

I cannot believe he wasn't at the tippety tip top of the list to be put into the pro dancers non-competetive demonstration group.

Compared to Darren and Ian, he's John Sergeant on valium

Well after what happened last year with Lalia, this is his punishment for whathe said, i don't mean to be unkind if iwas im sorry

I completely agree with that. Anton doesn't take the Latin seriously, so it's better Ann be paired with him and their Latin routines will therefore probably have comedy elements, rather than being serious, sexy routines. Out of all the pros, that would probably only work with Anton.

Of course it's unkind! How would you like to be described as being someone's 'punishment'? 'Oh look, Anton's got Bingoman, ha ha ha, that's his punishment for being mean to Laila last year'. It's a horrible thing to say about Ann or anyone else.

Gosh, it was my first thought, and I thought the only unkindnesses were
1) to Miss Widdecombe for allowing her to take part: she's clearly been earmarked as the one to be made a fool of this year ~ and Brucie made that quite clear the way he was talking about their pairing
2) to Anton for making it patently clear that they don't think of him as a serious dancer

I think Miss Widdecombe should have been protected from herself: by her own admission she can't keep a beat; she walks like a sack of potatoes; she has a figure like a sack of potatoes. Hey, apart from the age difference, I could be talking about me ~ but I wouldn't set myself up for such ridicule.

I presume that she's been allowed in to see if the public voting system can make a nonsense of a Dance competition again. Cheap ratings stunt.

AW will be out after week 1. If not then the BBC won't mind the ensuing publicity I'm sure.

He must never blaspheme, whatever the provocation.

Could well be that AW only agreed if Anton was her partner. - Just a thought!

It's not a punishment just an inevitable pairing. Anne will be good fun, she is the first one to laugh at herself and Anton is just happy to be there.

Its no punishment, he is going to have heaps of fun, even if it does turn out to be for a short time. One thing I noticed about Anne last night and that is she is a bloody good sport!

And has a very keen wit and quick tongue .

Exactly. Compared to Darren and Ian he's not a great dancer, so why would he be in a showdance group?

I think Anne is noone's fool - more than capable of taking care of herself - she's been a government minister in a very tough policy area, she's media savvy, and has already done a couple of reality TV programs - she can look after herself!

I think she's probably doing it for enjoyment and to boost her public profile for after dinner speaking and her book sales

Good luck to her for putting herself forward!

I wondered that as well when she said at the end that he was the one she wanted as a partner. I hope they do well - I like Anton.