Not sure how the selection process works - but how was Chico only a reserve i.e. drafted in after Chesney Hawkes had to withdraw.

He is an entertaining guy, funny and well known from X factor. How exactly was he not picked ahead of say Andy A or Sebastian Foucan (probably the least well known contestant ever?).

It depends on who is being pushed for fame the most.

I'm not so sure about that. Chico is fairly well known, but not for doing much. He was on X Factor and had one big single, but it was all a bit novelty. Chesney Hawkes was another one hit wonder, but I suppose he appealed to an older generation than Chico. Although I am surprised they weren't able to get better popstars. Faye from Steps was supposedly a reserve last year, and she's way above both of them.

Andy from Blue Peter and Sebastien both have really good, legitimate claims to fame IMO, even if they weren't household names. I'm sad to see Andy go

Because he's already annoying.

When Chico or Chesney Hawkes are considered "big names", it shows how far down the celebrity barrel they must be scraping. You could probably book either of them for your wedding (if you had so little taste) and it wouldn't break the bank.

Chico actually lloked quite confident in his movement on the ice last night- he might surprise a few- andhe has a fab partner in Jodeyne

I'd have prefered Lord Wagner ...