I'm more suprised that Dave has 2.5 standing ovations - I can understand week 1 when it was 'so bad it was good' kind of thing, but the rest? How much had the audience drunk before they got in there?!

It looks as though it's fun to be in the audience but I often experience a bit if a disconnect between its response and what I see on the screen. The audience reminds me of a panto audience which is appropriate given that is what Strictly in many ways resembles.

I think Natalie will definitely be there.
I think given popularity Sophie will be there- although in my own opinion would like to see a different side to her before the final e.g fun/confidence/carnival like.

Then between Susannah and Abbey. I would love it to be Abbey but I don't know if she will have more support from the public than Susannah.

I don't see Ashley getting to the final at all. Quarters? He is a bit of a Nicky Byrne always at the back of my mind never a stand out performance.

Natalie, Sophie and Susannah. The producers are desperate for a female winner and those three can probably beat out all of the competition on any given day.

I reckon Abbey is the next possible shock DO entry. I love her but good ballroom only gets you so far. Her Latin really isn't as good as the three above, and if she can't improve it she could come unstuck. I can't see her pulling off a Charleston like Sophie, for example.

Plus it'll be hilarious when Natalie comes third to those two

I agree that Abbey could be the next shock exit but don't think it's because of her "poor" latin, just popularity. I don't think Sophie or Susannah have been particularly great at latin so far - would put Abbey on the same par as them. The Charleston is not part of the traditional latin dances.

Natalie, Susannah and AN Other.

I think Abbey, Natalie and Susanna, they really work at getting it right......! I really hope Mark makes the top 4, since he has natural rhythm, and he too works really hard.:

So, you are saying that the rest of them don't work very hard

No, but some people can work hard and never improve, and others work hard and get thrown off just when they show improvement...... However, there are those, as I have mentioned, who have a natural ability,which becomes more and more evident the the harder they work. It is very difficult to put into words, but you've either got it or not !

Just bumping with a Standing Ovation update, don't mind me :

Natalie & Artem : 6
Ashley & Ola : 4
Sophie & Brendan : 4
Susanna & Kevin : 4
Abbey & Aljaz : 3
Ben & Kristina : 3
Mark & Iveta : 3
Dave & Karen : 2.5
Fiona & Anton : 1
Patrick & Anya : 1

Bless Rachel, she never did get one.

Poor Rachel , even on her best dance ? SMH.

My money goes on - Nat, Sophie, Ashley and Susannah

that said I've managed to be wrong on pretty much every person booted off the show so far - apart from Tony Jacklin and Julien (although I thought he'd go the week before he actually did).

Two weeks on, tragic bumping.

Natalie & Artem : 6.5
Sophie & Brendan : 6
Susanna & Kevin : 6
Ashley & Ola : 5.5
Abbey & Aljaz : 5
Ben & Kristina : 4.5
Mark & Iveta : 3
Patrick & Anya : 3

Blackpool lighting and seating made it impossible to really get a good picture of who was getting what, standing ovation wise, so feel free to accuse of bias in favour of my favourites.