Just read an article about Scott and Natalie and had a flash back to her saying that Scott was her best partner ever.... think it was to Tess after one of their dances. Anyone else remember that? An extraordinary accolade - best ever?? Even of her professional partners??

I remember her being very effusive about Ricky last year too. Maybe it's just her style.. or her way of trying to communicate partner 'chemistry' to the audience....

Maybe I'm too cynical...

I don't think you're too cynical - every time I've watched Scott and Natalie dance this year and heard her rave about him and say he's the best partner she's ever had, every time I think -
surely Ricky was ten times the dancer Scott was? Why has nobody ever challenged her about this?!

Although she did say Ricky was the best partner ever last year as well, I'm sure...

Probably because they understand she was trying to boost a partner who was clearly and quickly running out of steam and confidence? What else was she going to say to him on screen? "oh yeah Maslen, you're shit and I wish you'd just man up. I'm sick of dragging you round the floor by the scruff of your neck...PUT SOME EFFORT INTO IT!!!!!!' Hardly confidence-boosting to Scott or the viewers they were trying to encourage eh?

Vincent always does this too, they're just being nice. Or maybe she got on with him better. Or maybe, in the intensity of each current series, it feels like their new best mate?

der... she has only been on 2 series.

Yes you are

<Every> pro says <every> year that their current partner is their best one

likewise <every> year the celebs say they couldn't had a better pro partner

Doesn't it go without saying??

It's called "living in the moment".

Doc - you have a talent
(I agree btw )

She was just being nice and had 'moved on' from Ricky......anyway perhaps she actually liked Scott better and perhaps he worked harder or something we dont know....I doubt that just the dancing comes into it when they are with someone week after week.

However at the end of the day they are professional dancers doing a professional job even on Strictly and mentally they have to move on.

What was the article?
Do you have a link for it?

I'm not sure why Natalie needs to be challenged about this. All pros and celebs are media trained and say more or less the same thing. It's the same as the judges and ITT guests saying this year has the highest standard ever!!

I think only Michelle came close to veering from the PR line this year, I liked that about her. She was unpredictable in her chat

Aren't Natalie & Ricky dancing together on the tour next year? so it might all change again and Ricky is the best partner she has had.

That was my first thought. I think Ricky would be miffed if he wasn't the best ever at anything.

Its a hellish good lineup for the tour next year, with Colin, Ricky, Matt, Kara and Pamela

.....and Tina?

and Widdy?

Scott was undoubtedly a great partner, he had a couple of bad weeks but they were only bad in comparison to his other dances. His bad weeks were streets ahead of Gav's good weeks (when Gav got 1 point more than him it was due to Craig being silly). But I don't think he was better than Ricky.

But the strictly professionals have to encourage people. Look at Katya with Gavin. For several weeks he was awful. He knew it, but because he was so self conscious and insecure Katya had to try and convince him that he could challenge the others even though it was obvious to everyone (inculding Gavin fans, as they will readily admit) that the top 4 (and a few others) were much better than him.

I think that encouragement was what helped him with his great improvement I think some people might accuse some of the professionals of being a bit deluded about their partners ability but they have to be like that. You can't say "you are shit"

Yes - but then they all say the same things every year. It's the best year ever, she's the best dancer in the world ... yawn

I really don't think it's just about dance, it was quite obvious from their exit interview what a great relationship they had and what they said about each other said it all.
Im a huge Natalie fan and i get the feeling that she doesn't get overly emotional but this season she has been tearful on a number if occasions. Why does this need to be questioned?