I really hope that Flavia is his dancing partner

Weeelll ... for those of us with difficulties in getting to sleep ... a non-prescription alternative!!!

Deeply unappreciating the rumour that Katya's not coming back. Double deeply unappreciate it if it's true.

Perhaps she and Ian will get together and do a tour. I'd pay definitely. I'd love it to be a runaway success and really rub their noses in it that they got it wrong!

Just coming on here to unappreciate the same thing.

Who will Pasha dance with now?

Probably Anya. She's in the Las Vegas show at the moment I think. Ends in time for them to meet the celebs.

Hmm. Bet I don't like her.

I'm mourning the loss of Katya too . Feeling the need to watch some Gavbot & Katya clips on youtube. Would rather have seen Anton, Erin, Robin or Aliona go. TBH I wouldn't have particularly missed Flavia anymore (sorry flav fans) but I'd like to see Vincent given another shot with a contender and I couldn't see one doing it without the other.

I don't think there was any chance of Aliona going, unless she decided to leave herself as they probably want the drama of Len having a hissy fit about her choreography again.

Still expect her to get a good partner.

Well quite, and likewise I never expected Anton & Erin to go... doesn't stop me wishing though

I liked Katya but not really upset about her leaving. I thought she was either going to quit or she would most likely get culled if they were going to do a shakeup of the pros. There are quite a few ahead of her that I would have got rid of but I'm feeling all a bit meh about it.

I hope the new girl brings a more contemporary feel but not bat-shizz 'look at me' choreography. I think Anya would be a good fit because she's worked with different choreographers as opposed to being incredibly insular like some of the other pros. Fair play to OurLeona for giving something new a try but lady, if you wanna do hip hop or contemporary, then you know, be good at it yourself first!

I really hope the pros have done something to broaden their dance repertoire in the hiatus. They looked so stale last series, and if they complain for another year about not learning the AT I'm gonna scream.

Another one unappreciating Katya going Loved her partnership with Pasha last year. :wanders off to watch the Bratalie / Kasha Foxtrot again:

Boo! Hiss! Why? etc etc. I'll miss Katya deeply, my favourite pro.

I like the idea of that tour durnovarian, I'd pay too.

No, true. I just try not to get my hopes up where Strictly is concerned anymore.

Maybe Pasha won't be back either.

I do hope it is Anya. The woman is adorable, and I love her ballroom dancing (especially with Pasha), but she has no filter whatsoever. She'd cause so much drama without even realising it.

As it is, they want drama apparently, so it'll probably be Giselle Peacock.

IIRC wasn't she Artem's wife? Well that would certainly be dramatic
I'm hoping that the new pro is Anya so much, she is extremely talented and has a great personality, but I have a feeling it won't be.

Unappreciating Katya's axing, I'm gonna miss her, she was just so badass

Apparently Giselle is teaching at Sydney Dance Company and is back in Burn The Floor till July. And with baby???
So yeah - guessing it definitely won't be Giselle!

Katya and Gavbot were one of my favourite ever couples on SCD. Unappreciating that she has been axed without being given the opportunity to show us what she could do with someone who had real potential.

I'm sure most of you won't remember me as I have been absent for many a long month ..... no excuses apart from busy at work and with lovely new grandsons.

*Leaves a chocolate creation with lots of chocolatey things on it as a peace offering.

You're not easily forgotten Button.
Welcome back!

We could always make a big thing of it on any of the interactive things on ITT... (questions to the pros/that stupid telephone number to gush about perforamnces....) - ie by asking shy the pros that don't know how to do AT, and often whinge about their disadvantage, havent gone and had lessons (there are enough teachers around in London and the South East) in their off period...

You never know if enough people complain about this, it might get an airing.

Sorry for not posting for ages as well...

Im a bit mehr about Katya leaving - I thought she might (either be culled or leave of her own accord) - it actually surprises me that she is the only one.....

I hope they get another taller female pro (another like Natalie).... how tall is this Anya chick?

Awww thanks Spock !!

I really thought Ola and James would be for the boot this year. I am so tired of Ola's knowing smile and gyrating hips. James has become a bit of a pantomime dame with his hissy fits etc but he will probably get one last chance with a dead cert this year. Let him win it and then bin him.

I want Tristan !!

Oh no, please don't let him win it!

One of the things I look forward to is his face when he gets a good partner then gets eliminated while the comedy celebs stay in!

James' crestfallen and puzzled face is always worth a laugh I agree

I've been in a cave for so long I have only just heard the rumour that Blulu may be being lined up for The Voice. Thank goodness I don't watch it, she would turn yet another Saturday night primetime show into something all about her. No doubt we would get another tired old rendition of " Wweeeeeellllll !"

If anything, James is due a true duffer this year (of the BoD, Eggy caliber). I know that Alex wasn't great, but she wasn't hopeless.

I'm already building myself up for Aliona getting the young, fit ringer... that way it will annoy me less when it actually happens and I can enjoy everyone elses outrage (that reminds me, must get popcorn from tesco)

Yep - it's definitely more fun that way!

How is your mum getting on by the way?

That's what hurts most about Anton being back. I just hope he's out early enough this year to avoid the carpet getting an airing *vomit*