The competition is a bit different this time. Ray is possibly still the best package of skating, acting, dancing, trick performing. and lifting capability. However this time he's not the best in all, or perhaps any of those individual categories. Kyran can skate as well, both Ray and Kyran can do skating tricks the other can't. Kyran is stronger, and can do bigger lifts. Suzanne, Hayley and Bonnie can dance as well. Those 3 can also act as well, or better. Bonnie, Suzanne and Beth can do lifts and positions Ray can't put up. Leaving aside fanbases, its not clear whether better allaround capability, if Ray still has it, will beat a better dance routine , or tricks. It depends on who gets to the end, and what they are given to do, and what the voters vote for.

I don't disagree of course but the one thing that did strike me about Ray was how he had filled out in the bicep department. I was sort of disappointed that his boyishness had been replaced with more grown up male characteristics - the difference between being 18 and 25 I suppose.

I think thats right. But Kyran is still much stronger. And Bonnie has Andrei, and Suzanne has Matt to do their lifting too. Bonnie actually did a bigger version of her final lift in her save me skate this year than she did with Matt when she did the simialar routine in the champion of champions show in 2007.

Ray's also got 3 girls who can stay with him in an acting/dancing routine, unlike his own series, and they, and Kyran, can do spins too. It may depend what Ray can do that no one else can, and who gets a routine that pulls them ahead.

Its also to be seen what will happen over the weeks. Are they all going to start good, and then do similar things for weeks, or are bigger moves laid in for later weeks, or will some improve more than others, and what really effective combinations of choregraphy and music have been composed for them? I think I have seen things like Hayley with a faster spin than before, and Suzanne possibly doing a standing headbanger exit. Beth may have an advantahe over many as she looked to be back to her best 2013 series form before this competition started, when most people in the first show didn't quite look back at their best. Kyran's trick bag may be quite full too - he did axels years ago, and his VT promised lots of tricks to come. Kyran also has the advantage, after producing his own shows, of knowing what tricks exist, and seemed to be making his own suggestions for his routine in his CV. He may not be as limited by what he's given.

Totally agree.

If Ray has one strength over the others, it's skating solo. He looks the most at ease on the ice and it sounds like he's still up for the big challenges.

He's probably the best ever contestant, but I find him quite dull to watch.

In all honesty, he's the only celeb that has made me want to watch DOI. When he was on before, I looked forward to seeing him skate every week. His youthful enthusiasm and natural talent was great to watch.

However, I do realise he's also probably the most Marmite celeb ever on DOI.

I'm totally in agreement with your first paragraph, but don't understand the marmite thing - what's not to like?

So much. I'm sure if you read back in this thread you'll find your answer!

He was rather rusty in his first skate, but with two weeks to rehearse the next one I'm expecting to be more like the old Ray next time

What about Sam Attwater? I feel he could give Ray a run for his money.

Ray has so much rhythm on the ice, a brilliant dancer that can skate too.

I feel that Kyran will do that anyway with all his experience and he was top with the judges last week.

I agree and he is a smashing young man, always smiling and enjoying himself.

Ray and Maria photographed practising their next routine:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...-Filippov.html

Nice to see that Steven Pickavance is stil involved with the show!

I dont think he will win but I will supporting him all the way because he is a fantastic dancer and skater and my favourite out of all the skaters even though we have only saw half of them so far.

Not only is Ray the best ever to appear on DOI - he's also (imo) the most likeable. His ability, determination to try anything and his finesse left me speechless when he won his series. By comparison I found Kyran's style and attitude somewhat aggressive and I was turned off by Sam's queasy attempt to garner publicity with his sham fling with Brianne.

Ray for me - and I hope Bonnie's not insignificant talent takes her too a long way.

Equal top with Ray.


Love set of photos - thanks.

He is the best skater they've ever had so really he should win the all stars series unless someone seriously ups their game (which Kyran looked like he has done).

I felt disappointed by his routine the other night, I may be being cynical but I thought Ray hadn't been given a great routine and wasn't top of the leaderboard to make the competition look a lot more open as it will encourage more people to watch. Although the judges though Jorgie and Sylvain had most potential so I guess they are disappointed by the result.

I think Kyran will!

I hope he does!

Susanne's score has put the cat among the pigeons - they will all have to up their game now

Ray certainly won't want her to be at the top again next week. He is incredibly competitive.

She is well ahead of him at the moment, in terms of skating technique and performance quality. Ray has gotten rusty; Suzanne is as good as ever, if not better.

After tonight it proved to me how much of an ego he has on him.

I know the two of them are polar opposites but as people, Todd comes across much nicer than what Ray does. Humble, warm, grateful. All the qualities that we have yet to see from Ray!