This final DOI has more than one pro who's skated with more than one celeb.

Matt skated with both Bonnie,Susanne and Jorgie - so was it his choice to skate with Susanne in this final series?
Dan won with both Hayley and Beth so did he decide to partner Hayley in this ultimate series.
Brianne won with Same but now she's skating with Gareth and Sam's with Vicky.
Maria partnered Ray (winner) and Gary Lucy (runner up)

Wonder who decided the partnerships - the pro or the producers.

Out of all the changes I must confess I think Beth drew the long straw - her partnership with Lucasz promises much.

I think the first criteria was to bring back the winners:

Ray and Marie - Gary and also Gareth had to find new partners
Susanne and Matt Georgie and Bonny new partners

Sam is now with Vicky in real life and would not have done the show if he could dance with her so no chance that he would partner again with Brianne

Dan and Hayley are best friends and they were always going to dance together so Beth had to find a new partner

To have been truly fair they should all of had to skate with new partners.

I think you make a good point Tracey.

Pairing Ray with Maria & Suzanne made sense to keep the winning partnerships together.

I suspect Sam requested to skate with Vicky rather than Brianne.

Initially I was a little disappointed when Beth wasn't partnered with Dan - I felt it smacked of favouritism towards Hayley and was a snb towards eth. However, I am happy with the Beth & Lukasz partnership as I'm pleased he finally has a great partner on the TV show but I think Beth is doing great with him & continuing to improve.