Actually, if Austin were top, (and I've decided he was, so p'neurr) any combination of public vote OTHER than the one he got would have seen him safe eg :

Austin (4+1 = 5)
Tom (3+3 = 6)
Lisa (2+2 = 4)
Rachel (1+4 = 5 but lower public vote than Austin, so in the dance-off)

results in a Lisa vs Rachel dance-off. This was why that week was barmy, as if Lisa's fans had voted for her a bit more and got her past Rachel, she actually probably would have gone home up against Rachel's amazing tango.

Hence they were in the situation where, by not voting for Lisa, they were actually making her safer. Such is the Strictly scoring system.

Nuts.

Yes I agree that it will be possible for Michael to go even if he tops the vote & he has more competition for votes this year than in say Chris Hollins year when his opposition was a bit marmite

I think it's futile to read anything into any poll on here - such a tiny sample can give an entirely different result to the total public vote.

Plus I think opinion on here is likely to be much more polarised than in reality.

Jan I love you

if I can just make a comment about comparing Michael to Chris Hollins, who I also supported. Michael is a much better dancer than Chris was. Ola couldnt give Chris any choreography beyond what I would describe as intermediate standard. Natalie has already given Michael some challenging stuff to do, and he's done it. I am just wondering if among all the male celeb dancers ever, if Michael has the "best" driving leg I've ever seen just watch in their next ballroom, when they are in hold

I would personally love to see Michael and Nat go to the final and hopefully win. He had NO dancing experience in contrast to Denise/Dani/Kimberly/Nicky to an extent and Louis with his gym training. He and Nat are a great partnership and have improved so much

Agree, only one left i will vote for..always voted for the non dancers as for me the show is about seeing someone with no dance experience go on to become a good dancer

You don't have to be the best dancer to win - look at Chris & Ola

I was so thrilled when they won!

I agree, they are the most likeable couple, and that counts for a lot with the general public.

Am loving Michael and Natalie. I have only voted once this series and it was for them! Would like to see them get to the semis, however I think there could be a surprise exit this weekend coming.w

I so agree with this. I don't mind that some of the celebrities start off being able to dance but it is much more interesting to see those who are not very good at the start learn week by week and get better and better.

I don't think Michael will win. It's quite likely going to be Denise who has been able to dance since day 1. How boring a result that will be