I've just rememberd the '5 thoughts' threads at the end of each show last year and how they were interesting to read to get a quick snap snapshot of different thoughts.

So here are mine:

1) Wish I hadn't found out the pairings beforehand - made the show slightly less exciting but so happy SCD is back.
2) Bruce made me laugh with his joke about Craig's new face and the show had an improved overall pace.
3) I think Darcey was great too - Alesha wasn't able to offer anything like that on her debut to the panel.
4) That Karen can certainly move and it's interesting to have someone with a look that we haven't seen before.
5) Craig was unneccesary harsh about Anton/Jerry and Lisa - no need for it but he is the best judge there.

1) Bruces jokes (if you can call them that) get worse
2) I love Jerry Hall - I didnt think I would - total shocker!
3) Louis looked terrified of Flavia and I didnt really notice any chemisty
4) The first group dance wasnt a shambles
and last be not least
5) I LOVE OUR PROFESSIONAL DANCERS

1. Didn't read the spoilers so it was exciting to watch tonight.
2. Liked all the pairings.
3. Flavia and Vincent in with a definite chance this year at last.
4. Would liked to have seen Natalie with Colin rather than Kristina.
5. Fern Britton has gained a lot of weight - gastric band removed maybe ?

1) Richard Arnold will seriously grate on me soon...
2) I liked Pasha's old hair
3) It wouldn't hurt Louis to have smiled more
4) I personally felt Jerry was drugged up
5) Victoria looked stunning - I really hope she can move

Darcey and Ian's American Smooth which was Amazing
Bruce's joke about Craig
The Professional Routine
Tess looked Stunning in that Dress
The dancing around TV Centre

1, Bruce didn't make me cringe once
2, Loved how casually Brendan was standing at the top of the stairs, and then slid down the bannister
3, Pasha gets better looking everytime i see him!
4, Always love Robins reaction to finding out his partner
5, Loved the end group dance

1) Wish Karen got more of a showcase but she was amazing and think she will be great on the show
2) I still fancy Pasha
3) Excited about a lot of the couples and curious to see how they all do
4) Liked Darcy and Ians routine
5) I wish Ian was still a pro on the show

Heh. I was just about to start up this thread again, but you beat me to it!

1. I love Jerry Hall for going into training bare-faced - brave woman.

2. Yay! Brendan got someone with potential! Love him!

3. Bruce is always funnier when he ignores the autocue. I wonder how a totally improv SCD would be?

4. I was not fond of Alysha, but hmmmmm. Not sure. But then TBH I would like to see Lilia in that chair.

5. It was good to see Ian back.

1) Nicole Scherzinger appears to have a long lost twin in the form of Karen.
2) Darcey and Ian were spectacular.
3) Tess looked slightly better than last year.
4) Happy for Flavia and Vincent,
5) Tonight's theme tune worked well in the context it was used.

1) Bruces jokes were so cringeworthy.

2) I think Dani could be my fave so far in this series and I'm very happy she was partnered with Vincent.

3) The group dance was so bad it was good.

4) Aliona could not even fake any enthusiasm in getting Johnny as her partner.

5) The pro dance was awesome.

1) Wish I hadn't read the spoilers in advance
2) Karen looks like she's going to be a great asset to the show
3) No more Alesha - I think Darcy is going to be good.
4) Why did they get rid of Ian?
5) This has potential to be a great series.

Louis and Flavia didn't have immediate chemistry
Lisa and Robin did
Liked Tess's dress
James seemed very pleased to be partnered with Denise
Surprised myself by liking Jerry

I was happy with this too after the uproar I caused on the other thread about it. It wasn't noticeable and I was expecting the full title music sequence to roll with it being played over therefore making it obvious. It was fine that it was part of a pro dance.

1. Colin and Kristina looked absolutely ridiculous together, just like we've been saying for days after finding out pairings He's going to get crucified for either hunching or sticking his bum out and it's not his fault.

2. Flavia and Louis had all the chemistry of planks of wood. they're both very reserved and they both needed more outgoing partners. I hope I'm wrong because Louis is my favourite.

3. Louis had more chemistry with Kristina in group dance, who'd thunk that?

4. Fern doesn't dance as much as stomp and Jerry sings along with every song as she dances.

5. I looooooooooooove Jerry, she is scary and fabulous at the same time but I could listen to that fabulous accent all night long.

I love the Five Thoughts Thread!

1. Ian's hair! Do we like it brown? I'm not convinced it suits him ..
2. New dancer Karen is LOVELY!
3. Those of you who said about Colin Salmon's voice - I see what you mean, it is rather gorgeous.
4. I like Denise van Outen and I don't care if she's had dance training already. Hope Lee Mead is in the audience frequently!
5. The Man in the Hat is back .. yay!

1. The producers have lost the plot with the pairings. By all means pair people on chemistry but take their height into consideration too with more importance. Jerry Hall and Colin Salmon are scuppered by those pairings.on height alone.

2. The pro dances actually contained more genuine latin steps than I've seen in a while. Keep it up!

3. Craig was unnecessarily rude about Anton, Erin and Lisa.

4. Pasha's hair

5. Darcey really is bendy. I think that will be the only dance seen on Strictly where the woman can get into such unusual positions. It wasn't an American Smooth though - they may as well have called it a showdance.

Shame James got Denise as I cannot stand the bloke

1 - Glad to see Bruce and Tess.
2 - Love Jerry and Colin but, would have preferred Jerry with anyone other than Anton and would have preferred Colin with Natalie but, I do like Kristina.
3 - Interested to see if Lewis will get on with Flavia.
4 - Fern's splits.
5 - I'm just glad it's back, all I need is Merlin and I'm a happy bunny on a Saturday night.

1. Saturday nights are back!
2. Pasha could wear a green afro wig and he'd still be eatable
3. I still love spangles
4. The BBC does what it does - BEST!
5. I'll not be going out on a Saturday night until January!

Token 6th
Im easily pleased!

1. Lovely to see Ian Waite dancing with Darcy Bussell.
2. . Great to see a lack of a 'joke' celeb.
3. Liking the pairings.
4. Craig rude again ...yawn.
5. I think that overall, so far,the show is better with the new producer.

So glad I didn't read spoilers,
Ian's hair, rhmmm, really not sure.
Love Pasha and Kimberley and Flavia and Louis
Still think Michael will win!
Sooo glad strictly is back

1) Loved Robin's reaction to getting Lisa, it was nice to see
2) Pasha, the hair does not work
3) Think Louis & Flavia didn't have much chemistry, she needed someone like Sid and he needed someone like Kristina
4) Darcy & Ian - that was not an American Smooth. Most of it was Rumba, with a bit of Paso. Lifts were mostly good though.
5) Louis didn't look great in the group dance, but the lift he did (don't think it was with Flavia though) was brilliant

I've had one thought the whole time I've been on the forums tonight - I go on Facebook too much, I've constantly been wanting to 'like' other people's comments, and have been unable to - it doesn't feel right!

1. Laughed out loud at Brucie's joke re Craig's face.
2. Even laughed at Brucie's 'pose' joke.
3. Groaned at Brucie's 'Points' joke.
4. Fear for the partnering of Flavia & Louis
5. So glad SCD is back! (but SO miss Darren & Lilia)

1. Wardrobe did a half-decent job tonight, no horrible shockers for once
2. I'm glad Aliona and Artem got people who won't have natural talent, that's normally my test on whether they're actually good pros for the show or not.
2. I actually got a little confused and thought it was Nicole Scherzinger for a split-second. Wow, Karen can dance, I love her so far.
3. I recognise Jerry's name and face, but don't really know much about her personality and I was surprised how funny she is.
4. Colin is going to be my eye candy this series. He is gorgeous. Wouldn't kick Nicky out out either!
5. So happy Strictly is back!