Been a long time fan of this actor and his is the dance I look forward to the most every week so far.

His comedy dances are genuinely funny, unlike the clod-hopping OTT car crashes of Dave Myers.

His dance last night, I found genuinely moving.

I think his real skill is his acting ability - he can really sell the emotion of a dance. He make you believe it and you overlook his technical errors (although I didn't actually notice any last night).

I think Craig was quite moved by Mark and his parter's dance last night too. I would have liked to have heard more from him about it, but sadly he was cut off by an elderly man.

I agree.

I've never understood though, how such large men can be so light on their feet. I'm sure if I weighed as much as he does I wouldn't be able to skip around like that.

I've enjoyed all his dances so far, I haven't really noticed mistakes, I've been too into the entertainment and showmanship. I can see how he'd be really good in Hairspray.

There just had to be an unwarranted dig in there ....... otherwise a lovely post.

Mark's facial expression at the end, looking into his empty hands, was really moving.

I find him lovely to watch - he's clearly having a wonderful time and the performances he gives are always a good standard. I agree with mossy on his expression at the end of last night's dance.

I like him and Iveta as a partnership too; she gives him routines that suit his ability and don't patronise him in any way (others could take note!).

Another fan here. He has really grown on me and I think he is what SCD is all about. A celebrity learning to dance.

Lovely man.

Acting apart, the difference is that Mark can dance, and Dave constitutionally cannot, and I don't hold it against him.

I agree that Mark is lovely to watch

Yes he can dance unlike Dave.

I am a huge fan of Mark and Iveta as a partnership as well - their waltz last night was absolutely stunning and I had tears in my eyes - Mark's acting ability shone through in the dance esp. at the end when he was looking at his hands, he had tears in his eyes after the dance.

From Hayley

(I suspect this is going to get pushed up to the Appreciation threads in a minute, unless someone gets nasty. Not going to be me, though.)

I love watching him dance. He's one of the ones who seems able to hear the music. He's just a pleasure to watch and he has a beautiful smile. I also really like the way he and Iveta interact. There was a backstage bit on ITT when he said 'Here she is' as Iveta came to join him, that just seemed so real and fond. I like the idea that he and Dave send each other texts to keep each other going.

I worry about him though, particularly the amount of bandaging he seems to have on his knees. Don't think he's said anything about being injured, but I think that will really limit what he can achieve and it's hard to imagine how he will even attempt some of the dances, eg jive.

eta: AND one thing that I love is that all the performance is in the dance. He puts his heart and soul into the dance and then he takes it as it comes - neither detached nor begging - with the judges and with Tess. I can't quite explain what I mean, but it's less about him and more about doing the dance properly with Iveta.

I'm really glad he has turned out to be a good dancer, I saw him shopping in a supermarket near me in the arse end of nowhere a couple of years ago so decided that he was going to be my favourite, go Mark.

I like them both - good fun and oozing personality

I think Mark is excellent. He is versatile, willing to learn, he can definitely move and the character he puts into his dances are perfect from the hilariously fun to that heartbreaking image yesterday of him looking at his hands. Great guy, great actor and very good dancer.

Iveta sets up great routines, plays to his strengths and they have a lot of chemistry too.

Another fan here, love him and Iveta, Mark 'hears' the music so well, and last night's waltz was lovely. Iveta is a complete star with her choreography, pitches each dance perfectly and Mark steps up every time. My favourite partnership this year by a mile.

My favourites, without a doubt.

I have laughed with him and not at his latin, have been charmed by his ballroom and his characterisation has, of course, been superlative. I adore him, and he's got such lovely eyes - full of warmth and laughter.

Iveta is genius - THAT's how to choreograph for a differently abled celeb

I'll be very disappointed if he and Iveta do not get very close to the latter stages of the comp.

He has an incredibly expressive face in both comedy and drama. I really, really hope he goes far.

Love him. Mark & Iveta are the couple I most look forward to each weekend and they have yet to disappoint. Whatever the style of dance they manage to get it right. Genuinely funny latin routines to a really moving waltz. Brilliant choreography from Iveta and great performance skills from Mark.
I hope they stay in for a long time as I want to see them perform each and every style in a way that only they can.

I love Mark and Iveta. I always vote for him each week as u can see that he tries really hard and always puts in a good performance. Thought it was telling last night when he said that he didnt want to do comedy routines each week. Dave Myers please note. Mark always takes in what the judges say without making any cheap quips back to them. Hope he stays for a long time.

^^^ This. In his strictly "roles" there's more than a touch of Les Dawson about his expressions. Looking forward to much more of this odd couple.

I love him. He's not a great dancer but he conveys the emotional content of the dance and that always floats my boat.

I have £20 on him to win at 100/1. I feel he is showing signs of a 'story' and development. I don't think he will lose the public vote and may have an outside chance of winning the whole thing.

What are his odds now?

I love him and Iveta too. His dancing last night was so moving. Beautiful.

I was fortunate to see him in Hairspray - he was fabulous.

Just did it a minute ago on William hill so presume the same?

Can you get an e/w bet at those odds - and do they pay out on 1st, 2nd & 3rd or just 1st & 2nd?

Sorry to pick yer brain an' all that but I do happen to think he has an outside chance of the final.