Tom was second favourite by the public.

each to their own i guess. I never could warm to Austin there was just something about him, and i think im someone who likes the improvement in people, dare i say the 'J' word. But he was a better dancer although that doesnt always win me over, plus i greatly prefer the partnership between katya and gavin than erin and austin.

I think Austin was a much better dancer than Gavin but that's not really saying much is it?

I don't think Austin should have won though, sorry. I was so relieved he went when he did because I know he had a massive public support that would have won him the glitterball despite, in my view, not deserving it. I felt the same about Gethin too. This is why I miss the dance-off

Ah, Austin.

He woz robbed.

Probably, after John Sargeant, but once John withdrew it was a one horse race.

Could never stand Austin,and thought he was overmarked most of the time,and was glad to see the back of him. Love Gavin,,his quirky sense of humour and how hard he tries every week. Hope he and Katya get to the final.

I loathed Austin Healey but he's 10x a better dancer than Gavin

I was wondering how long it would be before a thread was started about this. Gavin is no way in the same league as Austin in the dancing department.

I really liked Austin but my heart was stolen by Lisa.
I liked Austin's cheekiness and drive. But I loved Lisa long limbs and elegance more.
It was that Tom I didn't want in the final
Tippety tappety tap. grr.

Off the dancefloor, it has to be Gavin for me. Fascinating creature he is Amuses me greatly.
But on it, on technical ability, most certainly Austin wins

Austin Healey may have been better than Gavin, but he is still one of the most over-rated dancers on Strictly, IMO! I remember seeing him in a group dance that year, and he was totally eclipsed by Tom Chambers when they were dancing side by side. Tom was the better dancer and deserved the win that year.

I didn't really like Gavin at first, but I do now -- I totally get his sense of humour. Would love to see him in the final.

I still harbour a bitterness over what happened to Austin - he should have won that series, without a doubt and I thought I'd never get over my disappointment. However, Matt Baker has helped my recovery no end .

Austin was a good dancer, but Rachel was a much better.

Gavin is a below average dancer. His Ballroom is average at best, but even that has been overmarked at times. His Latin is beyond crap.

The memory of Austin's paso gives me goosebumps, whereas I honestly can't recall anything about Gavin's dancing, sorry Gavin fans, just how it is for me, give him loads of credit for trying to dance though!

It's a comparison made by a journalist, not by Austin or Gavin so I can't take it seriously.

Ah well, it was a comparison that had to be made at some point, I guess, but they might as well have compared Gavin to Martin Offiah, who was, like Austin, knocked out in the quarter final of the first series. Did the article mention that Gavin has yet to beat Matt Dawson's record and make it to the final? Somehow, I don't think he will.

Of course Austin was the better dancer (in comparison to Gavin, I mean, not Matt) but I'm afraid I never warmed to him, although I did love that paso! Mind you, I haven't warmed to Gavin, either.

I remember that the judges loved, Matt Dawson, even though his Latin was worse than Gavin's. I wish they'd have been as impressed by Austin.

His Latin wasn't great but it was certainly better than Gavin's.

The over-hyping of Matt Dawson made for a very one-sided final that year.

Louisa (or even Emma) would have made it a much tighter, much more exciting affair.

Ramps walked it.

I agree. I wanted Ramps to win but it would, have been a better final to have had a better dancer as competition.

Gav for me all the way

I'm sure that Gavin would go all the way given half a chance. Er..that came out wrong ! He can't, though. The Swingathon is a means for the judges to have a say in the scoring isn't it. Boo.

[quote=Stockingfiller;46352568] I'm sure that Gavin would go all the way given half a chance.


he can go all the way with me any day of the week

His jive was outstanding as was his paso, and the cha cha and samba better than most. It was only really the rumba and salsa which let him down.

i always felt uncomfortable watching austin to be honest, i dont know why. He is a good dancer, and cant say i am that fond of gavin either really. I also didnt get tom chambers, nobody really seemed to have much personality in the final of that series. Then there was the dreaded showdance from Ms Snowdon *shudders*

His footwork in the jive was quite good, but it lacked refinement. His arms and hands were terrible.

I didn't like his Paso, as it was a case of style over substance.


Lisa has great legs, but they always looked so gangly and awkward when she danced.

Tom's dancing was competent, but nothing special. His dancing never wowed me.

I think Rachel was easily the best dancer that year.