Can't help but be a bit concerned at the lack of rumours/announcements.

Hubby is underwhelmed by the rumoured line up - I'm more "whatever" as I'd watch the show whoever was dancing.

But I am surprised - the line up last year was great imho. I'd expect it to have generated a lot of interest from agents.

Things are very quiet.

Strictly is never going to have an A list line up, but I'm hoping for some eyecatching announcements in the next couple of weeks

Normally X Factor would have started by now - it's possible that they don't feel the need to start competing for publicity quite as much as they normally do just yet.

The press can't hack there phones anymore.

I think that they have tightened their security somewhat, maybe on the back of a few big announcements to come.

Really hope so

[Not surprising as Twitter confirmed so much last year, I doubt we'd have guessed Colin Salmon's signing, for example, without it]

I think we will have a few pleasant surprises, I mean there were many high profile names last year and it was a success so I don't think it would be hard to get people to sign up. I also don't think they would increase the number of celebrities taking part if they had a poor line up or couldn't find anyone.

lets hope so.
Looking back over previous champions I would say auntie Beeb could well want a female to win. But lets hope they don't try and influence the voting.

As evidenced by John Sergeant, Widdie & a number of others, the public vote according to their own minds, not the BBC's.

Trouble is with Strictly, the celebs have to be prepared to commit themselves to be in the show for anything up to 5 months (from the time they are first signed up to the final - presuming they would aim for the final). That is a big chunk out of a year for anyone who's career is going well. Consequently they tend to have to make do with has-beens and wannabees, & those who want to bump-start their careers, and with the occasional newly retired sportsperson.

Unless the lineup is as rumoured - and if it is, then it's the end of Strictly !!

They have had a good standard of celebs so far, and as it is the premier show and for the last 2 years has ben the biggest ratings success, why would you not want to do it ?

It is a big commitment, but they do learn a new skill which gives them more opportunities for their future career.

Current sports people are not likely to compete any more (since Jade Johnson's injury), so only retired sports people are going to have the time, plus it clashes with football season.

I also think that the ITV rip-off show has led to a "dignified silence" from the Strictly producers.

We have not had a full rumoured (as in almost definite) lineuip as yet!!

Let's be honest, whoever the celebs turn out to be, sooner or later at least one of the judges will insist "This is the best/most exciting line up we've ever had......"

Well they can't be struggling that much to turn down Rebecca Adlington, who would have been a very good contestant in my opinion.

Yes. After the last two years who the hell would want to do it? Publicists must be tearing their hair out trying to persuade their clients to do it. OR they are pleading with them not to!

Last year's line up was just tedious. Who's left who needs this kind of exposure? Yup, the desperate and the forgotten - or soap stars who have a very short shelf life these days.

Is this post a joke?

Lisa Riley confirmed practically all the celebs on twitter last year

Perhaps they have a new PR team? Although I love the new ident trailer of the pros, I have been underwhelmed with the buzz leading to the launch show. And I have been watching since year one.

I thought the clues to the celebs last year was a good idea - but the clues were generally too easy.

Sofakat hates SCD but watches every year. I think the disease is called attention seeking. Apparently DWTS attracts better stars even though it casts people like Kim Kardashian's brother

I remember that well

Every year we have the same moans about the underwhelming celebs, and every year the show is fantastic.

Worry not.

People invited to appear on this show, must be free for about three months and be willing to put in a lot of hard work. (Something "luvvies" aren't too keen on).

"A listers" wouldn't be interested as they'd earn much more, doing far less, in a shorter time.

So it's down to "C-listers" trying to revive their career (I'd forgotten who Russell Grant was, didn't he just have a horoscope column in a newspaper?) Or ex-sports stars. With of course the usual BBC employee, (they like one of theirs to do well.

They try to get a balance between those with some potential and others who are close to being a basket case, or have two left feet. Someone who will appeal to the public and therefore be "saved" for weeks on end at the expense of some with potential.
The "controversy over injustices" will hopefully make the papers.

The show has to be seen as not much more than a glorified ratings chasing pantomime, with "heroes and villains" and that includes the judges.

I love it with all it's faults, except for the "geriatric irritation with the obvious increasingly failing faculties,"
That's why I record it and fast-forward through his bits.

if Fiona Fullerton is in - then YES definitely

She was a nobody when she was acting - and she's been retired for donkeys years.

That seems a little unfair to me.

I would bet on Pointless if they asked for

"Name an actress in a Bond film" she would be a pointless answer.