wow, this year is shaping up to be a good one.. there are so many good/likeable couples its hard to pick a stand out favourite.

My gut instinct was initially Jimi and Flavia, but after first dances liked Matt/Aliona, Kara/Artem. Now also liking Pamela/James...was surprised by Scott (how much weight has he lost!!!)/Natalie... ...

This series must be the most open yet.. LOVE IT!

I don't actually dislike anyone. I quite like Gavin and Paul, even though I didn't think I would. I do think Gavin is just a bit shy. The whole vanity thing smacks of insecurity on his part. I was disappointed with his Salsa though.

Paul comes across as if he loves himself, but he's clearly joking. He seems quite nice IMO and he's not bad at dancing considering how old he is. Is he the oldest contestant that's ever been on the show?

In terms of ability, I really like Kara. I think Pamela is my favourite at the minute though - she's 60 and she can do Latin. Nobody can use that excuse in the future now I'm not sure what her Jive is going to be like, but I was very impressed tonight. I love her personality too.

I love almost everybody this year, it's crazy!

The favourite is Kara, but I'm really liking Pamela, Scott, Jimi, and Felicity as well.

I just said the same thing on another thread! There are some couples I like better than others, but I don't dislike any of them and I can't choose a favourite either!

I have 3 favourite couples at the minute: Jimi & Flavia, Pamela & James and Matt & Aliona. So they'd be my final 3 based on who I like, although I think they've all ot a great chance of making the final if they keep going as they are.

Kara is also a fabulous dancer but I haven't warmed to her partnership with Artem yet. I'm clearly not seeing what a lot of people are in Scott & Natalie - I like Natalie a lot, but in my opinion they've been overmarked twice and he's not a great performer.

I had a few faves last year and will do tis year too, I reckon. Liking Matt, Scott, Pam, Jimmi and possibly Kara as well.

I am hoping that James will finally get towards the end of the competition ......he has never danced a Tango on Strictly and I really want them to do well.

I don't think I have ever forgiven the John Sergeant fans for depriving us of a James & Cherie Tango, I think that would have been brilliant.

Seconded, a James and Pamela tango would be amazing I'm sure. I'd never realised he hadn't done one (same as I didn't realise that until last year Ola had never done a competitive jive on Strictly!).

Am with you on this...fingers crossed for this year. A tango means James with stubble just like tonight too but that is a different story for a different thread

My favourites are James and Pamela - I just love them as a pairing. I can honestly say that for the first time, there isnt any couples I dont really like...not warming to Jared particularly but I like Tina. It is shaping up to be a good series...

Pamalarrrr & James, Gavin & Katya, Ann & anton and now Paul & Ola I look forward to from the start, I still do, but

Patsy & Robin, Kara & Artem (although a 9 from Alesha a bit too soon) and Matt & Aliona are now also favourites of mine

I LOVE having so many likeable couples!

Gotta say i totally agree the standard of competition this year is very high and we're only in week 2. ALSO ofcourse there is a much better variety of celebrities this year which makes it more exciting to watch.

I really can't pick just ONE fav couple... but in regards to dance i think so far the following have really caught my eye...

Matt & Aliona
Kara & New Guy
Scott & Natalie
ALSO
Pamela & James
Jimmi & Flavia

His name is Artem, not hard to find out - either BBC site, Wikipedia or even just read this thread, he was mentioned in the post above yours.

Sorry, it's a pet hate of mine when people can't be bothered to find out a dancer's name before posting when it's so easy to do....

My favorites are Matt and Aliona but i also like Jimi and Flavia and Pam but not james

My gut instinct and money have gone with Jimi and Flavia, I'm warming to Pamela and James and Kara and Artem. I like Goldie and Kristina and Patsy and Robin too.

I like Scott but I'm not keen on Natalie, the thing that has really surprised me is her choreography has been awful. Say what you like about last year but her choreography was great.