I think Artem fans might have something to say about that Terry

How about Vanessa and Brendan?

Well I'm an Artem fan and I would love it, the other nightmare scenario does not bear thinking about, in fact I can feel a meltdown coming on as we speak, its not fair of you to give the producers bad ideas like this, I don't want to have to go through yet another nightmare series thank you very much.

But Vanessa and Brendan could be so much fun you need to open up your mind Terry

Imagine the horror of Vanessa & Robin side-by-side dancing & mugging...

lol that would be a sight to behold. So awful it could even be fun

Artem wasn't very good with Fern last year. He didn't seem to know what to do with an older, heavier partner. I think Fern could have done better with a partner who brought out the fun side of her more. I don't want to see gurning and joke/comedy routines but I do want to see enjoyment of the experience and that wasn't really present in Fern and Artem's partnership. I'm not so sure that Artem would do well with Vanessa either.

Based on Lisa Riley last year, I don't think Robin would be a good partner for Vanessa either. Lisa didn't show an overall improvement during the course of the series, rather they found a formula that worked for week one and stuck with it.

I think Vanessa should be with either James or Brendan - or possibly Anton, but only on the condition Vanessa doesn't want to be a joke contestant. I'd like to see Anton deal with a challenging contestant without automatically jumping to the so-called comedy act.

I probably won't be popular saying it, but after last year I think Brendan deserves a partner he can actually work with, and who will actually put in a real effort.

I think you meant to say that Victoria deserved better, as does the lovely Vanessa.

My mind is more open than most, but there are lines drawn in the sand when you have a reasonable and balanced mind, Vanessa with Artem would be a delightfull pairing though.

Good Lord, Terry has just passed up an opportunity to mention the saviour of Scotland, Lulu. We're through the looking glass here, people.

Actually, I think you make a good point.

Thank you.

Just because you don't like him, you shouldn't underestimate Brendan as both a dancer and teacher - he's pretty brilliant at both.

Terry doesn't particularly dislike Brendan - any more than he is especially partial to Bruce Forsyth, Ann Widdicombe, Lulu, Vanessa Feltz, or any of the other vaguely 'controversial' pegs that he hangs his hat on from series to series.

He just picks targets that will provoke a reaction, gain attention and bolster the post count on his threads.

Oh OK! I'll keep that in mind.

I have never thought of Lulu as the saviour of Scotland before, but she is fabulous.

I do hope we get confirmation of Vanessa soon, I'm not to keen on all the waiting.

I do like Robin.

Vanessa could be fun - she's bright, enthusiastic and she can laugh at herself. She just needs to avoid coming across like she's up her own ass otherwise she'll be toast very quickly.

Well, Strictly does need a statutory fat person to go further than they should each year plus an equally statutory black person who dances well and goes out too soon.

I think Vanessa could do very well on the show.

At last a semi-positive comment about Vanessa! I think most of the comments about her have been very unfair, and ill informed.

Anyone who listens to her daily BBC London 94.9 show will know she's an extremely articulate, intelligent woman. She was also on Radio 4 this evening with Rufus Hound, and was highly amusing, and self mocking and critical - so she's not up her own arse. Yes she went through a bad time during her divorce and behaved strangely in public, but she's much happier and calmer these days. She's also no longer very "fat". Not as big as Lisa Riley was anyway.

The only downside to Vanessa is the one time we saw her dance on TV she wasn't very good, so I hope she gets a good partner and can improve a bit and make a go of it, as if so, she'll certainly be very entertaining on ITT and have plenty to say - please God not sitting beside Anton, who will ruin any slight chance she may have to get through a couple of rounds.

Great comments apart from the Anton bit.

Vanessa confirmed this morning by BBC Radio 2

That should keep Terry happy for a while

It's official - Vanessa to join Strictly

Oh Wow, are you playing with me though?