Yes to your entire post GG. I feel pretty much the same - even if I'm not from your neck of the woods.

Have been enjoying most of these contestants. Didn't much like Iwan, but didn't have time to get used to (or really annoyed by) him.

Good to hear from you again SalsaShon.

Firstly, hi to GG and Anothermi, thanks for the mentions.
Secondly, after reading the dances, but moreso the song choices for this week, I cannot see Carol surviving. I'm sad for them in the way its been done as quite clearly, imo, TPTB have decided she will be the next to leave as look at what songs the others have been given. Surely, there was a more suitable rumba song than the Partridge family?
How is that suppose to compete with 'Phantom,' 'Thriller,' 'Ghost' and 'The Time Warp' to name a few? Then there's a Charleston where Kirsty can show her gymnastic skills, BUT I am pleased for her as hopefully the routine will be a good one for her. Then there are the 'real' contenders who have all songs that will work well, again my opinion.
Part of me thinks, maybe it's best to go now otherwise she will get even more blame/spiteful comments directed at her if she stayed and a very good dancer left, plus some posters in the MF or FB would then have to find another 'victim.'
However, I do in this instance, agree with a couple of posters who said how 'production's aim' is for this to be Carol's last week and 'has anyone ever been shoved under a bus harder?' Why do things have to be manipulated/fixed every series, that is what really spoils an otherwise great show.
Sure Pasha will do his best with the music given (know there's the odd exception where the pro has chosen the music, but more pros have said they're given the music) but wonder how he and Carol really feel? Yes, they will just get on with it and have no reason to think they will be anything, but gracious. Even when the judges are slating her or being rude, it's taken with good grace (the same with Jeremy.)
However, it is obvious what the producers want to happen, pity it couldn't backfire on them.
Have no problem with Carol going in week 6, good achievement for a beginner I think, she was never going to be there for the long haul, but it's the WAY producers have handled it that I really disapprove of. Am sad for her and Pasha in this respect.
I know others may or may not agree with my comments which is fine, though I don't believe it being Halloween on Saturday has anything to do with it.
Also read how some seem to think that every year the Scots will always vote for their own. Well, that's a big assumption to make as I definitely did not vote for Judy and certainly not for Lulu, but yes have voted for Carol due to Pasha being her partner. We all have our favourites whether amongst the celebs or pros and vote accordingly.
Just hope that next year, Natalie is at the TOP of the queue for a contender as she certainly deserves it first and foremost. Loved her partnership with Ainsley and how she is so good with whomever she is paired with. Both her and Pasha make the experience about the celeb and treat every partner the same, regardless of ability. I love that.
BTW Beebopbabsie, I totally agree with you on favourite pros. I do like others, but these two are the best by far.

Pashastein

Shades of Shrek Jim, albeit a bit more handsome!!!!!! Good times!!!!!!!

OOOO yeah ... Pashastein definitely more handsome ...

Well,despite Shona's fears the dance went O.K.,Pasha,I think pitched the choreo just right,Carol serenely weathered the Judges' storm and the voters sent her directly to week 7.

I did agree with the BiB,though.

Thanks, but only the BIB Jim? (Need a rolleyes similie.)
Good summing up by you.
Unlike some, she just graciously accepts whatever is thrown at her by the judges and whereas constructive criticism would help, it's rarely offered.
If she can just show some improvement for this AS and get some decent comments and a decent enough score, then I will be happy for them. Would like her to leave on a dance, similar to her paso, that goes well for her.
Have no doubt she is working as hard as others, she just seems to get on with things - no moans or excuses - but we cannot all be talented, irrespective of how many hours we put into something. Must be frustrating when you want to do better, but it's not really happening or only now and again and the pros themselves can only do so much. That saying 'you can take a horse to water...' springs to mind here.
Besides, talking in general again, if a pro's routines are too difficult they get criticised by some and if their routines are too simple they get criticised some more, they can't win. (Only my thoughts.)
Ultimately, Strictly is a light entertainment show and ceased to be solely about dance years ago (IMO.) I don't know why so many get upset as it's the same every year and usually the better dancers are there until the end anyway (I did say usually.)
Then again, when Carol goes there will be plenty said and 'about time' will be one of the milder things posted, some go too far with their comments and when they're not insulting a celeb (or a pro) they don't know, they insult their fans.
I think Tristan summed it up well in a recent interview when he said about being eliminated from the competition, but not life itself. This isn't life or death, it's a Saturday night show for people to watch.
I think Jeremy could very well be there at Blackpool and I am wondering if he has perhaps been asked onto the tour as the Clifton's are always there. CRH is bound to have asked or know for sure who he wants to include by now as Frankie was mentioned a few weeks ago and she knows KFG will be there, so how many others have been told if they're included or not? Did wonder about Jake as he's on a break from EE isn't he? His salsa and Jay's jive would be worth the ticket price alone.
Anyway, here's hoping the music is appropriate and much better for them this week, can't be any worse surely.
Thought it was a lovely gesture up in the Clauditorium where Carol and Jay were seated next to each other and he gently had hold of her hand. What a lovely and supportive lad, bet she felt better having him and Pasha beside her.
Great to see Pasha and Ola finally leading the group number, a fab routine.

Apologies for repeating what I said in the Pasha Kovalev Appreciation thread but I cannot put it any other way. I am so sorry they are out. Pasha did a wonderful job with Carol. So many people on this forum were wishing a 'duffer' on him (which is a term I truly hate) before they were paired up. I am so glad to see how much he has gone up in the estimation of some because of how well he has worked with Carol. He never once treated her like she wasn't capable of learning a proper dance, and never tried to outshine her as I believe some pros do with their partners and I'm sure she appreciates him for that. They have so much genuine admiration and respect for one another. I loved him anyway, even more so now, and think she is just a gorgeous lady. Congratulations to them both for getting this far.

Lovely post Beebopbabsie and I echo your sentiments about them, esp Pasha.
I also agree with what you said Peppy on their joint thread.
They did really well in getting to halfway in the competition this series and there definitely is mutual respect and admiration between them.
Saw Carol's tweets the other day and like her leaving 'speech' she was nothing but gracious and appreciative of everything on SCD, but especially about Pasha. Lovely words said by both of them.
She was very lucky being paired with him, but at the same time, you could say so was he as Anton was right when he said it's more about giving the celebs a wonderful experience on SCD rather than the winning itself and Pasha did that with Carol. Think there's a lasting friendship there.
Also loved Jay's words about Carol and I will definitely be supporting him and Aliona now, even if he falls on his butt he gets my vote. Have never been tempted to vote for anyone other than Pasha and his partner before, but there's just something refreshing about Jay, I really hope he's in the final at least.
Looking forward to seeing Pasha in the pro numbers and fingers and everything crossed for the Christmas Special, please let him be included.

Shona - it would be great if you joined us on Jay's A.T. in view of your above post. There are expert dancers among us devotees imparting their knowledge and so many other articulate and humorous posters. Hope to see you there.

So,did you appreciate the way Pasha worked with Carol?

I ask only because the last two of your posts I've seen on appreciation threads that I frequent are here,to talk about another partnership and http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showp...13&postcount=9 to seemingly take a dig at the subject of another.

I do wonder if you really get the spirit of this part of the forum.

Sad to see the end of Carol and Pasha's journey on Strictly.... but it was the right time ... and to the loveliest farewell ... think it was perfect dance to go out .... So proud of our duo ...
Agree with all that you say beebopbabsie and Shona..... and like you Shona.... Have my eyes on Jay ....lovely guy .... Also keeping my eyes on Anita and Georgia.... Want all three as finalists ....
Would I vote for anyone .... ?? ... Maybe online for Jay or Anita.... if I see the show real time that is... which I have to confess I haven't done with full attention this year.... and with Pasha gone ....will be less likely ... specially as real life takes its iron grip .... ... But all the best to my top three ....

Nice to see Pasha and Rachel out supporting Kimberley in Elf

http://www.contactmusic.com/pasha-ko...ctures/5011649

I think Zoe said Pasha and Tristan would be doing a Q&A on tonight's ITT

Thanks lovely lovely KA ....

https://twitter.com/clrhmly/status/664931116516818944

Pasha has tweeted that Anya will be doing the tour with him again next year - good news! .

Thanks Peppy, great pic of Pasha and Rachel. Lovely how he and Kimberley not only keep in touch, but support each other in their respective careers.
Thanks Pashulty and KA for recent ITT montage.
Good news about Anya going back on tour with Pasha. Wish there was a show close by again, but may just have to look into a show further south.
As for Pasha being on our screens on Christmas Day, woohoo, great start to Christmas. Soooo pleased he was asked to do the Christmas Special. (Feel a bit sorry for Ola and Kristina, esp Ola though.) Don't mind his celeb partner, even though I supported Rachel and Vincent that year.
Ideally would have preferred one of his previous celeb partners or someone new like MKeyes, but Lisa will be ok. (Just hope she doesn't dance or act as though she has had a few drinks beforehand.)
Expect Harry or Cassidy to do really well and I like them both, but don't care the outcome, Pasha will be there.

Thanks peppy .....Soooo excited Anya will be touring with Pasha again next year !!!!! .... Woop woop woop ..... !!!! ....

https://twitter.com/PashaKovalev/sta...20579240402944

Will also be brilliant to see Pasha in the Christmas special ..... much needed cheer for me as currently having a nightmarish time in real life ..... at least the virtual one is going great ...

Oh Pashulty sorry to hear that hope things go better for you soon.

Delighted Pasha's doing the Christmas Special this year, surprised it's with Lisa -she was tall even for Brendan! - but I'm sure they'll make it work and Lisa's already tweeted that Pasha's a fantastic teacher so it looks like training has already started Maybe a barefoot rumba or a soft shoe jive?? Or is she around the same height as Carol

Shona, I had to look back to see which series Lisa danced - series 6, can't remember who I was supporting that series! I don't expect they'll win, but it should be fun

eta - I'd love Marian to do a special with Pasha, maybe one day...

Christmas Special training started in earnest..

https://www.instagram.com/p/-b5lIegJ...y=lisa_snowdon

And Lisa's in ballroom shoes

https://www.instagram.com/p/-b4yl_gJ...y=lisa_snowdon

Hmm...wonder what their dance is? Think I read somewhere that Brendan and Abby are doing a waltz?

Thanks for the wishes peppy .... and thanks for the links... since its golden ballroom shoes I think it is most likely to be a QS ...

((HUGS)). Thought something was amiss as I hadn't seen you post much, but then, neither had I. Sending warm thoughts to our lovely irreverent one.

Yes, you're right, just realised Lisa hashtagged quickstep on Instagram

The Pashman's QS for Chels was a significant step for her but I really thought; in her QS,Kimbers brought buckets of charm and a perfect performance to what was another great bit of Kovalography.

He also has practised on Rachel,Carol and the more agile Caroline (just rewatched that one) so I have good expectations.
I just hope Lisa has kept fit.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CU_uKItW4AAImR1.jpg:large

All looking good, thanks to Natalie for the pic on twitter.

Looking forward to their quickstep - not sure when filming takes place?

Smashing group pic, thanks Peppy for posting the link.
Hope you're feeling some better Pashulty.
Thanks for other links too, mostly you Peppy, all appreciated.
Kind words from Lisa then about Pasha being a fantastic teacher and they would literally just have met. I agree totally. Not bothered that she's taller than him, she was about Brendan's height anyway, possibly taller with heels on too, so long as she can still dance well and they have a great time on the Special, it's suppose to be fun anyway.
Sure it is being filmed on the 7th and read just today about a Hogwarts styled Christmas Special.
Hi Jim, love your analysis of the Kovalography for the quicksteps, and agree, great indeed.