Now we've seen the confirmed cast list and pairings we can probably all spot the likely front runners and absolute no hopers a mile off. But any thoughts on who might surprise us and spring out of the pack either as an unexpected contender or an inexplicable disaster ...?

My bets - I reckon Goldie could turn out to be a bit of a star, he certainly showed great musicality and the ability to knuckle down to seriously hard work when he did Maestro, which is the only other experience I've had of him. The witty and charming personality he showed on that would greatly endear him to the Strictly voters too.

As for the donkey .. I've got a nasty feeling that Gavin Henson may turn out to be as stiff and flat footed as Joe Calzaghe and Richard Dunwoody although on paper you'd really expect all of them to do pretty well as co-ordinated, fit sportsmen, used to the discipline of regular training. Although I really hope I'm wrong about Gavin as I'm a passionate supporter of Welsh sport and so far only Colin Jackson's done us any good on the dance floor!

Although Gethin wasn't a sportsman when he was on Strictly he was actually a semi-pro rugby player and did finish third in Series 5.

Pamela Stephenson. She looked like the only one of the female celebs who could keep in time last week

I agree!

I agree with that as well, I think she and Goldie are both potential dark horses. Kristina tweeted that Goldie has good rhythm. Then again she said that about Joe last year and he froze on the dancefloor, so hope that doesn't happen this year!

Did she say that about Joe ? Love sure is blind, I thought Joe was like a wooden pole from day one .

Don't see that happening with Goldie, he's well used to performing, and I quite agree he's a dark horse in this competion, really looking forward to this now

Wasn't she really positive about something on the BBC Breakfast interview that was her & Joe and Chris & Ola?? Maybe it was his footwork she was commenting on, but she definitely thought he was technically good!

Maybe that's what she... no, too low. Even for me.

I remember her saying something good about his dancing aswell so when i actually saw him dance i was stunned!

I thought Goldie looked really quite good in the group dance so was confused when people were whinging that Kristina had another duffer after it. He is the dark horse methinks, and a very personable man also.

Their training clip is here for anyone who hasn't seen it:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/

Goldie for me, i think he will shock people when he manages to pull off ballroom.

Also Pam and Pasty might be good once they loosen up, i dont have high hoops for Tina at all just a pretty little thing no talent to me but i could be wrong.

Im looking out for michelle and jimi and for comic value - ann

To add to my own list of dark horses: Jimi and Felicity.

Then again, I've said somewhere I think Pamela would be good. And so would be Goldie.

Patsy and Pamela for me. Both just look like they want to have fun.

I think the ones who might be good (although I don't think they'll all be popular) will be Felicity, Kara, Michelle, Pamela and Patsy from the ladies and Goldie, Jimi and possibly Matt and Scott from the men.

I'm looking forward to Goldie and Pamela

.......................................... and Jimi, Scott and Matt but that's mainly for the tight lycra

I think that Tina is going to be the Kate garraway of this series (if she stays in long enough). She should be dressed in gorgeous sexy latin dresses like michelle and Kara but instead have you seen that pink and blue number in the trailer and that big blue bow on her head. I think they have her down as the comic turn - intentional or otherwise!!

Yep, these are the two that I think could surprise people.

They're the two I've got my eye on as well.

re Goldie, I wouldn't call him a dark horse - more like a safe bet! He's bound to come top 5 at least.

The Dark Horse ...

RICHARD DUNWOODY ... TDH wooo.

*cough* sorry ... cant help myself.


Im backing BAKER....