Brendan's probably crying himself to sleep at the thought of Sophie dancing with another man.

Soooo here for Rachel and Tristan. Not keen on a panto theme though.

totally agree!can't wait for the return of russell grant......ugh.

Panto theme sounds dreadful, and the idea of Lisa and Russell even worse...

But it is at least a little bit redeemed by the presence of Alijaz and the thought of Rachel dancing with Tristan

It's Panto themed so will be a toss up as to who will be widow twanky Russell or Lisa

Only really two on that list I'm looking forward to - Sophie and Rachel. But they're two of my favourite Strictly contestants so I can put up with the others!

I like Lisa Riley but I'm a bit sick of her endless involvement in strictly.

I must be the exception, I like new people. What's the point of seeing people who have done it before, they are never as good as we remember them as they haven't had 12 weeks to train and get better.

Plus can not stand Lisa Riley she is like the strictly starker ( not sure that is spelt right )

I really think this is the worst Christmas line-up ever. I can't believe I"m saying this, but I won't be watching.

I'm hoping either Sophie or Rachel win.

Not keen on pantomime or Lisa Riley.

I prefer seeing the contestants from different series compete.

Often because it allows the studio audience to award some of the best dancers who didn't win.

The best Christmas Special for me was Colin and Erin who thoroughly deserved a win.

That's why the oldies are better, more of a story and sometimes a score to settle or a point to prove.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6ayhWrT2ODY

Here it is, still my all time fave QS on Strictly.

I cannot wait for the return on the Lisa Riley side by side FUN FUN FUN choreography.

I was just going to say poor Joanne as well, looks like she has lucked out again. Not a very good introduction year for her.

They should have Had. Zoe on.
Has Tess ever had a go at a dance?
Might be a laugh.

I just wish Ian was involved !!

Zoe is better than every one of the people there, with the possible exception of Rachel Stevens, who has the personality of freshly painted wall.

Tess danced an American Smooth with Anton for "Children in Need" back in 2008 - they beat Terry Wogan and Flavia.

He is! He's doing a pro dance with Natalie.

I am really excited to see Sophie with Alijaz. One of the reasons I could never bring myself to vote for her was Brendan. I didn't feel the partnership, but I do think with alijaz as long as they do ballroom will be beautiful!

ohhh poor Joanne lol

I've managed to get tickets. Happy to provide the spoiler if someone tells me how.

The pros are simply the ones who have dropped out of the main competition. Training a new person gives them a worthwhile job until the end of the season .

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is excellent compensation for Aljaž Skorjanec.

But so sorry for poor Joanne .

Me too, but I hope she wins it with Tristan anyway!

I'm glad that Tristan and Aliona have been given good partners, but what has Joanne done to get two duffers in a row?

I am so glad they've gone back to the old format! I hated the format of having new celebs coming on after the highly competitive final and getting 10s for average dances!

I am looking forward to seeing Sophie again! And Louis.

Love them both, can't wait.