Are you really talking about Matt Dawson here? Because while his paso and jive were okay, they were hardly outstanding and his cha cha was pretty dire. His samba was fairly good though - particularly in comparison with samba before and since.

No, I'm talking about Austen Healey.

Austin was brilliant but he danced the wrong dances for him at the wrong time.

Austin should have made the final - Tom seemed to be the popular choice [not mine] but Austin would have been spectacular in his show dance.

Big fan of rugby boys generally, Austin definitely better than Gavin at dancing but Gavin is way easier on the eye.

Saw Austin in London over the summer and he is clearly still a big fan of the fake tan so I would have to say they are equally orange!

I love them both but I’d have to choose Austin for his dancing ability anyday Im still peeved he didn’t make the finals & win and it seems so is he which is why I think he was putting Gavin down on ITT last night whilst using the England v Wales rugby rivalry as an excuse

Surely it's not even a competition in terms of dancing? Austin danced some truly outstanding dances, ballroom and latin (think waltz, jive, paso, quickstep, tango, etc.) and then some very good dances (think foxtrot, cha cha, samba, AS, etc) and then some which weren't up to his standard but still good (rumba, salsa). He's been consistently one of the best male dancers ever on Strictly. Whereas Gavin is increasingly overmarked and, while he definitely tries hard, is hampered by his lack of natural ability and extraversion.

In terms of personality, they're very different. Both can be seen as cocky because of their particular sense of humour (Gavin's dry wry streak / Austin's cheeky chappy routine) but both are really quite likeable. Austin and Erin were my all-time favourite couple on Strictly ever. I'm rooting for Gavin and Katya to go as far as they can because I really like them both, but I acknowledge that dance-wise this should be the end of the road for him.

If Tess were posting I am sure she would say, "Who has the better guns?"

Gavin is just not in Austin's league in any department in my opinion. Best dancer never to make the final.

IMO if Gavin had tuition for the next twelve months he would not be in Austin's league,Gavin is devoid of natural rhythm , his legs seem to be wooden. Actually there is no comparison in any way, Austin has got it all.

But he'd still be more droll and witter if it comes down to the body Gavin's home and dry.

Austin is a far better dancer than Gavin, but from a personality and looks point of view, Gavin wins by a mile.

It takes all sorts, but Gavin don't do anything for me,I haven't seen anything from him that I would class as a personality, to be honest I find him very dull, verging on boring. So there we are... all happy .

I disagree. I like Gavin and find him very amusing. Like a toddler in a man's body but utterly sexless. Austin I found very sexy as well as a great dancer, intelligent and witty as well. His and Erin's partnership was my favourite ever - real chemistry without any hanky panky or showmance.

I think they're both funny and appealing personalities - they've just got very different senses of humour. Gavin's more passive and ironic, whereas Austin is more aggressive, sarcastic and mocking. They've both got that sportsplayer smack-talk down, they just go about it differently.

Why does everyone think he is witty ?
He is cocky and arrogant , that much Austin and he have in common

I know and understand your dislike of Gavin - but he makes me smile.

Forgive me.

It's based on the fact I live In South Wales and work in Bridgend .
I am not a fan of Charlotte Church either , based on personal experience

Austin Healey and Gavin Henson both have good personalities but they are completely different. Gavin is highly self deprecating Austin is not! Went to a rugby evening compared by Austin long before SCD. he was outrageous but sooo funny. I have been too loads of corporate events events and seen many professional comics (Jimmy Carr, Jo Brand etc) do the same job. None of them could touch Austin for spontaneous wit.

Can't believe we are comparing their dancing, Austin could, Gavin can't.

Austin by miles. Gavin just makes me cringe - both dance wise and his personality.

Austin's forehead can be seen from space just like the great wall of china. Not relevant, I know, just saying

Rachel wuz robbed