Didn't really warm to Kara's dancing until she did her AT last night, but I won't say I didn't expect it, because before the AT I already fancy Kara as a person (her dancing came later as stated above).

But the most unexpected celeb that I find rather engaging would be Gavin. I just don't know WHY!!!

I have to agree with SCD-observer. I always had the 'Hensonator' down as a bit of a self obsessed twonk, but (to me - I conceed I am odd) he's come across really well; really self-deprecating.

Scott and Patsy. Couldn't stand Scott when he played DS Phil Hunter in The Bill. Don't watch EastEnders so that didn't come into the equation. Patsy always seemed like a spoilt child. But I like them both now.

Has to be Gavin for me - really thought he was 'full of himself' and it was an irritation to me how he used to come off looking perfect after playing a game of rugby! - now i love him and look forward to watching his VTs and interview during the week and his dance at weekend. The only thing is that now i get nervous for him that he wont do well as i dont want him to go!
On the flip side of that I liked Pamela at the start really going off her partnership with James now

Patsy.

She is very funny in the training VTs.

Another one for Gavin. Obviously the press have done a very good job at presenting him as a laddish yob. I, like many people on here, initially thought he was a self-obsessed something, but have completely changed my mind about him.
Also was expecting to like Matt Baker and Michelle but that hasn't happened for me at all

Patsy and Gavin!

didnt expect to like but do - Matt, Patsy!!!,

expected to like but don't - Jimi, Ann

didnt expect to like and dont - Pamela, Scott

expected to like and do - Kara,


and more shocking.... I am actually warming to Alesha this series.... whats going on!!!!

Definitely like Patsy. I never expected to and didn't warm to her at first but really like her now. She is my favourite from the 2nd tier of dancers and hope she makes it to the semi.

From previous years I really loved Jodie and again never expected to. Her & Ian's partnership was wonderful.

I was convinced I would hate Kara, I don't know why. She is now my firm fave. Her being partnered with Artem definitley helps. I thought I might find Patsy irritating but I've warmed to her and I love watching her progress.

Gavin for me... I didn't rate him at all in the beginning, thought he looked a bit like a plastic doll and had about as much personality as one.........but am really liking him now... and was thrilled when he got through this week

Did think I'd like Matt... but I've been going off him bit by bit, he's become a tad boring now!

Also, really look forward to Kara's dances and am surprised by how down to earth she seems. Kara & Gavin are now my faves !!

Somewhat to my surprise, I have rather taken to Patsy. I think it's because when I was 18, so was she, and she recently said on ITT that she's 42, still the same age as me. Most female celebs who were 18 when I was are only in their mid 30s these days apparently.

Expected to like Michelle but she left me cold. Had no expectation of scott or Kara coz I don't watch Eastenders and while they are both good dancers, hate him, ADORE her. Gavin's bizarrely growing on me like a guilty pleasure.

Agree with everyone on Gavin, Kara and Patsy. Feel this year's been a real lesson in not believing the press about people, because I had quite unfair impression of all three.

Nobody this year that I expected to like and didn't. The last real disappointment I can think of was Craig Kelly - I'd still watch him act, but his attitude was a real disappointment.

I saw a bit of Countryfile tonight, and realised that while Matt's likable on SCD I like him much, much more in his real job. He's not doing anything wrong on SCD, just something about his dancing makes me very, very slightly embarrassed, I'm not sure why.

I'm also going to say Gavin - he's really grown on me and he's hero worship of Peter Andre made me laugh.

Also like Kara and Patsy more than I thought I would.

I'd say Gavin but I'd heard from loads of people who know him that he's a nice, funny bloke. ( I'm in Swansea).
So the surprise would have to be Patsy. She has a great, laugh ! I'd expected her to be less down to earth.

That's the way I feel about her too. Same can be said for Felicity.

I never expected to like Patsy (don't know why!), but I do now. And in a male-appreciation kind of way, Im warming to Gavin too!