Even as an ardent SCD fan, I did find last year's contest seriously lacking and I was all prepared to feel the same, especially with the demise of many of my favourite pro dancers.

But, to my surprise, I've found that so far I'm really enjoying it: there are so many amazingly talented celebs already, all who are shining. There are some gloriously entertaining ones too (you know who) and more importantly, I like all the stars this year at the moment, even, Paul Daniels is alright.

The show feels fresh and new and the ratings are reflecting it- 10.1 million peak last night according to the Ratings thread.

I'd love to hear all your thoughts on the show at this early stage.

It's nice to know who the celebrities are for a change. I like to think it's fairly open because nobody's both too talented and too beautiful. Although Matt looks clearly the best, he was quite an annoying sports commentator and I don't think he'll win.

I'm always up for giving things a chance before judging so I've held my comments on the rotation of the pro's and other changes to the format but from what I have seen so far the show has been reinvigourated and I really like all the changes so far. Good mix of celebs, good pairings, like the new set very much and the possibilities with it are endless. Less panto feel to the judges too, now if only Brucie would get clued up on that we would see the end of booing Craig. His comments are the most worthwhile to the contestants if they want to improve. And yes I am ignoring him getting anal about Kara's finger (oo-er missus).

Looking forward to the results show and the Tess/Claudia double act which I really enjoyed last year.

Loving it this year, and I swore Anton was winding Anne up to throw her into the air (you know like those comedy sketches with the dummy) - it was hilarious

I'm really enjoying it this year, apart from the Ann thing.

EDIT- don't mean she's a thing, just the whole kerfuffle

Me too. I swore last season would be my last, it was so dire and limp; but hey, I was tempted and yes, I find it a lot more enjoyable, although not quite able to say why.

Having heard of most of the celebs this year helps.
I'd been worried about Anne's involvement and indeed, some of the 'asides' the first week were pretty snide; but she's been great fun as a gallant old boot. Because she's so blatant about it, I assume she'll be voted off pretty soon, it's the poor dancers who pretend they can that seem to draw votes.
The judges' comments have been much more helpful, generally not just out and out bile. Alisha copying Len's way of saying SevUN every time is getting a bit old though.

Somehow, it just feels more entertaining.

Loving it so far!

I think the show has a better mood than it did last year (not difficult) and I'm pleasantly surprised that the judges have reigned in the panto dame behaviour as well

On the downside, the panto seems to have transferred into a lot of the routines to the extent that I've not been sure if I'm watching a Foxtrot or a Tango or the Hokey-Cokey...Very DWTS and fine if you like that sort of thing but a big turn-off to me

I find that after giving up caring so much (after the horror of last year) I can relax and just enjoy it.

It's just an entertainment show*

* repeat as often as needed

I'm enjoying it much more than last year. And really looking forward to Claudia co-presenting the results show.

I am loving it this year! I haven't really seen much of ITT yet though so I dont really feel as if I 'know' many of the couples as well as last year yet.

Having said that, they seem like a very likeable bunch this year and I just hope now that we dont see repeats of previous years when talented dancers get knocked out early on...I know it is an entertainment show but it would be lovely to have a really strong line up of contestants throughout the competition.

It just feels much more...fun.

Well I am so far but it's still early days. It'll take a week or two for all the controversies to start. i started off really liking last year, but...

They nearly have it completely right now.

The increased capacity of the studio audience makes a big difference.

Tess's Tower means all the contestants are involved for the entire show - not stuck in cramped backstage area, and can watch people perform live and not via a monitor.

Allowing props to be used by the dancers gives it an extra dimension.

However, there are a couple of blights on the format.

30 minutes to vote is crazy - especially as this runs into the X Factor time.

Also the Sunday night show is still a huge no-no. - It robs viewers of the tension associated with the who will go moment. It was introduced at the same time as the dance off a few years ago - but with the dance off gone, its just totally pointless to have it now.

"Loving" would be putting it a bit high but I do think there is a very good mix of celebrities this time, with 3 or 4 really talented dancers any of whom could win, a good selection of 'middle rankers' who will do 'the journey' and engaging 'no hopers'. I am glad that Claudia will have an enhanced role (and less bumbling Bruce) and that the dance off has gone. I am less impressed with the costume departments efforts and the fact that all the ballroom seems to have melded into one repeated American Smooth thanks to the relaxation in rules. But overall pretty good so far.

The celeb lineup is this years big plus - that and the good pairings, and the show has consisted almost entirely of them so far.

I like the new set, but not the audience being told to give every dance a standing ovation and boo the judges.

The props are hit and miss. Last night, some of them helped set the mood for the dance - such as Artem's.
James's doctor sketch was too vague and drawn out. It would have worked better with Pam with a stethoscope and James on a trolly, being 'cured' by the sound of the music.
The props have to not get in the way, be fairly subtle, lead quickly into the dance and help set the mood or character of the dance. They shouldn't be the first thing you remember about the dance.

I'm wondering how they are going to keep a big audience on the Sunday show - we shall see tonight.

I think the props thing is sort of not great, especially when they are using them as fillers for the bad dancers, we are wanting to see them dance (well at least I am)

I think the dance floor is too small

I like the SCD over two days, just makes my weekend

Apart from that its great

Oh and yes Anne, not great but its lightening the load a bit for those that are in it to win it, gives it a little light entertainment, just hope its short lived and dont spoil it later

I swore I wouldn't watch this season, what with one thing and another in the year and the memories of me losing interest half way through last season I was determined.

But I am finding it very entertaining. I like the new format. Also I might not like every single couple but so far there isn't one that stands out at me to dislike in any way. Its something that lacked in the last 1 or 2 series, and its my own fault but I think the mix of celebs this year is just nice. Its just nice to be able to sit down and be entertained. Something last season for lots of reasons just didn't seem able to do.

Not really doing for me this year. I don't think the mix of celebs is any different from any other year - it's the pros that are the problem for me. Don't like any of the new male dancers, nor Aliona & Kristina, & Jared isn't even very good.

Is anyone else loving this year?

Yes!! Don't know why, but it seems to be really exciting this time around. Everyone seems well up for it - with the exception of poor old Gavin. (Why did you agree to it Gav if you're so shy?)