Good questions. I actually think the pairings are extremely good this series (although I'm guessing Natalie, if she'd been fit, would have been a better match for Ben than tiny Kristina).

I like Fiona (it's a bit weird how I find it difficult to dislike any of them this year now that Jittery Julien and Verbose Vanessa have gone) but having Anton as her partner is doing her no favours. His default position is that 'his' celebrity is always fantastic, always doing a brilliant job and the judges never know what they're talking about. Unsurprisingly, she believes this pap, hence her rather ungracious surprise when she is criticised. God knows there have been a couple of dances now where she's done a better job than her pro partner...

Would she have been better paired with Artem? Yes, I think so, since she has a great deal more natural flair than his more mature partner of last year, Fern. I don't know if I'd have necessarily liked her more - possibly if she'd had a bit more self-awareness, and I guess Artem would have ensured she knew where she was going wrong. Otherwise either Pasha or Robin would have nurtured her while helping her to be aware of areas where she could improve.

Oops, I hadn't meant this to turn into an Anton-bashing post. He did some genius choreography for both Widdy (what other theme could he have done for a Widdy-rumba other than Titanic?) and Nancy, whose salsa, tango and paso were brilliant comic pastiches.

I'll make my couple choices from those still competing.

Favourite celeb: as a person Sophie; as a dancer Patrick. Sophie makes me laugh with her dry humour and mixes well down-to-earth with cool rock star chick. Patrick is growing as a dancer and his increasing enjoyment is a delight and infectious.

Favourite pro: can't decide between Pasha or Kevin. Both have nice personalities and seem to serve their celeb. Unlike some others they make the celeb the focus and spotlight.

Favourite couple: at the moment it's Patrick and Anya. They began unsteadily but since the DO seem to have gelled as a couple and be delivering great routines. Their personalities are in their dances rather than in the words they speak or antics on display. I love that. Anya is a talented choreographer.

Least favourite celeb: Fiona. She's taking the competition seriously and has combated the nerves that affected her in the early weeks. I was impressed by her grasp of some of the 'Spanish lines' in paso.

Least favourite pro: normally I'd say Anton but I'm going to pick Brendan because he's not doing a good job by Sophie. He seems to venerate Sophie and is trying to choreograph to make her look beautiful and suit her personality.

Least favourite couple: Sophie and Brendan. I would love, for Sophie's sake, that they can achieve at least one more dance to rival their charleston.

It's quite hard being positive about my least favourites.

I supposed that's the point, poppy, to say something sincere but positive about our least favourites.

With regards to Fiona's possible better pro partner, I forgot about Pasha (and even Artem). Actually I think James would do a splendid job with her as well.

Hmm, didn't notice that until you pointed this out! The audacity!

Favourite celeb this week - Patrick, he managed to dance a very difficult routine extremely well (OK there were a few problems with the lifts) and his joy of the dance shone out.
Mark has been my favourite up til now but sadly the recent routines have been really bad and I can't blame HIM for that.
Still like his personality the most.

Favourite pro overall - Natalie has been my favourite pro since her debut and I am missing her this year. Iveta was making up for it until the last 2 weeks when something has gone horribly wrong. I think that the producers are likely responsible for the last weeks choices of themes and I wish they hadn't got involved.

Favourite couple this week - Patrick & Anya, as that dance was phenomenal. For the first time I enjoyed Susanna & Kevin and I still love Mark & Iveta and hope that they can produce a great performance before he eventually has to leave. Sophie & Brendan (whose AT I really didn't like) have dropped out of the fav list after weeks of disappointing dances.

Least fave celeb - Of the remaining celebs, Ashley I find irritating for some reason and Fiona rather dull.

Least fave pro overall - I have to make it a joint least favs - the Jordans. Uninspiring choreo (that we have seen over and over) and they always seem to be embroiled in some kind of hou-ha on screen or in the media. Wouldn't miss them if they left.

Least fave couple - Of the remaining couples Anton & Fiona as I don't look forward to seeing them dance and wouldn't miss them if they left this week.

That clips amazing. Thanks.

Favourite Celeb this week - Abbey. Thoguht she did really well to bounce back from what must have been a shock for being in the DO last week.

Favourite Pro - Pasha. He seems to get the best out of his celebs - even this year when Rachel was less strong than his previous 2 partners.

Favourite Couple this week - Susanna and Kevin. They seem to be gelling very well and starting to come on strong at just the right time.

Least Favourite Celeb - of those that are left it would have to be Ben I think. Not quite sure why and there's nothing really wrong with him as such, just like him less than the others. I do feel a bit sorry for him sometimes to be honest with the way the judges all 'perve' over him - so maybe it's even that colouring my judgement. But (in the spirit of this thread) - I like them all really..

Least Favourite Pro - would have to be between Anton and Kristina - probably Kristina to be honest, she's just never appealed to me at all and comes over as a bit desperate.

Least Favourite Couple - Ben and Kristina

Favourite Celeb - Abbey. I didn't expect to like her this much.

Favourite Pro - Alijaz or Kevin. Both are great new additions to the show.

Favourite Couple Abbey & Alijaz.

Favourite Judge - Craig.

Least Favourite Judge - Len.

Least Favourite Celeb - Natalie. She is far too good to be in a learning to dance competition.

Least Favourite Pro - Anton. His ballroom is beautiful but I just don't like him.

Least Favourite Couple - Natalie & Artem. They're are so good but there has been no improvement. All the others have got better since week 1.

Favourite celeb: As characters… Dave and Mark. Good blokes the pair of them. Abbey is a rough-round the edges all right kind of girl. I like her too.
As a competitor and the celeb I'm now nervously backing, it's Patrick. I've liked him all the way through and am really enjoying reading positive posts about him now that his last two dances have grabbed the imagination of a lot of posters.

Favourite pro: Pasha. He's intelligent, a sweet guy and easy on the eye. Also Iveta and Anya, both of whom have produced terrific choreography (though Iveta needs to rein in her weirdness now ). Anya is just classy.

Favourite couple this week: Patrick and Anya without a doubt. Dazzling, exciting, on the move choreography. Slow, smooth, risky, jazzy, elegant, playful -- their AS had everything. (Don't give a toss about the ropey lift at the end). Honourable mention for Susanna and Kevin's whirly, spinny sumptuousness.

Favourite judge: it has become Bruno (used to be Craig). He's analytical and kind. He falls off his chair too much and does trout face leering at the boys, but he's not wilfully mean and he speaks from the heart. I wish we saw the ITT version of Craig on the live shows.

Least favourite judge: Len. Ponderous old git, too varying in his responses. My positive thing about him: he adds gravitas to the judging panel. I think that's the theory anyway.

Least favourite celeb: Natalie, I'm afraid, and this is not to do with her personally -- she gives very little away personally -- it's that old issue about the uneven field the producers got together this year. My positive thing about her: she's amazingly committed, perhaps too committed. Her perceived struggle to relax and enjoy the experience, to let herself go into the dancing is one that could get my interest

Least favourite pro: Anton. Smells of mothballs. My positive thing about him… occasionally he makes me laugh. (Maybe once a series).

Least favourite couple: Anton and Fiona, I'm afraid. I really wanted to like her but she impersonates chickens and waves to goats (nice goats though), plus that fussy over-decorated rehearsal room is her idea. Plus Anton. Sorry Fiona. What do I like about her? She wears her heart on her sleeve. Of all the contestants she is the one most able to be hurt by the judges and I like that unguarded quality

I am gratified to see that many contributors in this thread genuinely attempted to be positive and produce constructive criticisms without being coy or fake. I thought this idea would not work last year and by and large it was proven wrong. I am glad it appears thus far that there are many posters out there who could be critical but sensible at the same time, without resorting to hurtful, spiteful remarks dressed as 'humour' in order to slate things or people they don't like.

Wonder what we could talk about in this thread since it's also a 'general discussion' thread? Well, for one, I am wondering if anyone has any idea of James Jordan's 'replacement' for the night at Blackpool Gary Wright, who's also a dancer from Burn The Floor. Bendymixer seems to know of him, wonder if others heard of him and know of any clips of his performance? He might become a new pro member of next series of SCD if he makes an impact on the show this Saturday.

Also, what are peoples' views of the recycling of the music used in this series? I know it's partly to do with cost cutting (paying copyrights for the songs every time the couple pick a new piece)? Do you have some dances that you really liked and then discovered the new couples (not necessarily only from this series) ruined it for you?

For me, I like You Light Up My Life. Not the song, which I find rather sappy and sickly sweet. But that I am associating this song to being pleasantly surprised. I will never forget how my perception of the 'snooty and vain' Gavin Henson could appear so vulnerable and graceful (yet manly) in his waltz with Katya when he danced a waltz to this song. Click here for reference to that dance.

And now I knew Kevin said he was working hard to put a lot of techniques on the waltz for Susanna. And those pivots-porn really made me sit up and went "Whoa!" Sure, it wasn't a perfect dance by any stretch of imagination, but I think it appears like a turning point for them. Click here for reference.

Do you have any songs which you felt 'murdered' by the couples you didn't like and would like a better dance to do it justice? For me, all the classic songs used by Anton for Widdicombe ballroom could have been done by more capable couples (except the Titanic song, which should not be used any longer in SCD in any way, shape or form).

Why has James got to be replaced. I know he's hurt his back but won't they just carry on without him ?

I have no idea. Maybe so that someone can be paired with Ola?

Ooh, Burn The Floor really is bent on world domination, no?

Difficult to find anything relating to Gary Wright - apart from his biog on the BTF site . I saw the show in the summer and he didn't stand out from the crowd, I'm sorry to say. Mind you, I was looking out for Janette and Aljaz, who had been confirmed as being new pros on Strictly, and Karen and Kevin drew the eye effortlessly in every one of the group dances (IMO). Robin and Kristina were also in the show, as was Shem thingy who was in the late unlamented dance troupe.

Gary Wright may be the guy with the blonde Mohican in this clip (coming in with the silver grey jacket after about 10 seconds). Possibly.

I don't mind music repeats really in fact unless it was a particular favourite I wouldn't remember probably. It's the age !!

Do we knows that James is being replaced then ?

James is really only be replaced in Blackpool, though. Not permanently. Yet.

Shared this clip showing Gary being interviewed in another thread yesterday. But no other clips his performance.

Difficult thread to keep track of but:-

Favourite celeb: Rachel. She has had a rough time with the judges and the public. There is no point in discussing the whys and wherefores.

Favourite pro: Probably Brendan. His choreography is just a smidge better than the others.

Favourite dance: always the AT. It encompasses the spirit of everything.

Favourite judge: Craig. His judgements can be harsh, but he his scoring is more realistic than the others who wear rose-tinted glasses.

Favourite music: As I've said elsewhere, the ability to match a dance with a time signature has met with some bizarre choices with complete disregard to the rhythm and tempo of the dance. Not much to choose from this series. However, if I'm allowed to go back a few, the music for Brendan and Lisa doing the AT was sublime.

Favourite presenter: Claudia. She is razor sharp and naturally witty.

OK - now least favourite.

Celeb: Maybe Natalie. What has she got to prove?

Pro: Two contenders. The ones that spend most time dancing around their partners.

Least favourite dance: One of those Latin jobs. Can't tell 'em apart mostly, but probably the Paso Doble.

Least favourite judge: Len these days, just because his marks are so inflated.

Least favourite presenter: Tess. Close run thing, but Bruce is hilarious even if doesn't mean to be.

Least favourite music: Most of it actually. It doesn't match the mood, tempo or rhythm even if it is in the right time signature. 500 miles for a tango? Give us a break mate.

It's very simply BB. Each week, we may share our favourites and least favourites. Constructive criticisms welcomed but not mean nastiness. And then you can veer off for the rest of the week talking about anything SCD related, even if remotely so.

BTW, any celeb you didn't like at first but he/she is currently growing on you?

Well, I hope I haven't transgressed. Don't like to diss anyone. You got me mid-edit.

No transgressions that I can see, BB. Thanks for contributing!

For this week only -

Favourite celeb: Dave for entertaining me with that Tango and Patrick for dancing a fab AS. Both raised their game this week and I'll miss seeing Dave on the show (I mean when he wasn't dancing and on ITT ).

Favourite pro: Kevin. I love how well he gets on with Susanna and seems a great match for Karen.

Favourite couple this week: Patrick and Anya. A fantastic routine to end the show,

Favourite judge: Darcey. I can even forgive her that daft 10 because of the way she stood up and waved the paddle!

Least favourite judge: Len. His marking and comments this year are quite simply ridiculous. He is not up to the role of head judge these days.

Least favourite celeb: Abbey. At the start of the series I was surprise how much I liked her, but this week she lived up to my preconception of her by doing a 'look at me' act. She never stopped touching her wig and it irritated the help out of me.

Least favourite pro: Iveta. One of my favourite pros, but I hated her Rumba for Mark. Hated her CCC too, so that made the Rumba even more disappointing.

Least favourite couple: Anton and Fiona. Despite what the judges say, I see little improvement in her dancing and the quizzical look she gives the judges as they make their comments is starting to grate.

Favourite celeb this year - Hmm difficult one for me. Dance wise I started off with Patrick, then changed to Sophie after THAT Charleston, then moved onto Abbey and atm i'm going with Susanna who has gradually crept up on me. I still love Patrick, Abbey and Sophie though and no doubt will change again.

Personality wise it has to be Mark. What a genuinely nice guy and i wanted to cry when Iveta said she was alone in England and he was her family - awww

Favourite Pro this year - Kevin. What a fantastic addition he has been to the show. I've loved his choreography and his ITT appearances have made me feel all warm and mushy. I must also mention Pasha and Robin who i also love but haven't chosen as they are out of the show. I'd give anything to be taught to dance by any one of those three.

Favourite couple this week - Susanna and Kevin. I've watched that dance so many times now and thought it was utterly beautiful. I also loved how emotional and 'spaced out' Susanna was after the dance. She was totally in the moment and was swept away with it (imo) and it was a wonderful thing to witness.

Favourite judge - Bruno. Hes always good for a laugh while talking knowledgeably and giving constructive criticism. I also like Craig but prefer his ITT personality and i think Darcy has been a great addition to the panel although she still appears tense and therefore unnatural at times. Which leaves....................

Least favourite judge Len. I respect his knowledge and experience but his personal feelings (either for the celeb or against one of the other judges) are often the focus of his critique and makes me uncomfortable.

Least favourite celeb Natalie. I appreciate good dancing and my God the girl can dance but she reminds me of Natalie Lowe and Camilla Dallerup with the over exaggerated facial expressions which never appear natural and inevitably irritate me. I'd love to see her really connect with a dance in the way Susanna did with her waltz.

Least favourite Pro Aliona or Ola. I probably have no justifiable reason for it but both of them i can imagine being 'difficult' and i don't rate either as good teachers or choreographers. I love how Aliona dances though and i love Ola and |James as a couple.

Least Favourite couple Fiona and Anton. Nothing against either of them but they are my least favourite left in the competition in both dance ability and personality.

Favourite Presenter Claudia. I miss her on ITT and actually watch the main show in real time with no need to fast forward when shes presenting.

Least favourite presenter Its a toss up between Tess, Bruce, Karen Hardy and Ian Waite ( ) Tess is not a natural but i admire her ability to steer Bruce. Bruce is a living legend but hes at his best when he ad libs - throw the cue cards away Brucie! Karen - Needs to lower the volume and the authoritative tone but would make a good head judge if Len ever decides the transatlantic commute is too much. Ians too loud, excitable and OTT when on ITT with Zoe. Get him back on the main show where hes still a big miss.

Favourite Dance The quickstep, closely followed by the AS, VW and the tango

Least Favourite dance Don't like the Samba (apart from this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90bTeiw6Ljw ) or the Rhumba

It's the speed of the routine that's impressive for me. Their synchronicity is amazing.

It it definite that James will not dance at Blackpool? I'd like to see someone like Ian stand in, not somebody new.

Just caught up with this thread.
Favourite celeb this week Patrick - I smiled along with him
Favourite celeb overall Mark - he reminds me of someone I loved and lost far too soon
Favourite pro this week Anya - she's doing wonders with Patrick
Favourite pro overall Pasha - even though he's left he usually does his best by his celeb
Least favourite celeb this week Sophie - she aleays looks bored
Least favourite celeb overall Sophie - see above
Least favourite pro this week Anton
Least favourite pro overall Anton - he loves himself too much
Favourite dance this week Patrick's AS
Least favourite dance this week Mark's rumba
Favourite judge Bruno and/or Craig
Least favourite judge Len - he's a grumpy old man

Candid, honest and lamentable.I have one such too.