I think that the standard is higher this year than previous years where there are about 6 people who could win:

Caroline/ Pixie/ Frankie/ Jake/ Simon and Mark.


In previous years, there were usually only 2-3 and most people were of the standard of Suneetra, who although she is good is not professional standard.

IMO Nat and Abbey were a lot better than any of this years lot but there is more strength in depth this year.

No, none of them are in the same league as celebs from years gone by like Zoe Ball, Natalie Gumede etc.

However, I do think that quite a high standard has been achieved by a greater number of them than is usual.

The standard last year would have been one of the highest they've ever had if they hadn't skewed the cast for a female winner (i.e. if they'd chucked in another male contender alongside Ashley and Patrick). But yes, these next few weeks should be good.

They seem to be a good batch, even without Thom who could have improved as well.

No, in fact I think there are still so many potential winners because the standard is a lot lower than in most other series. There are plenty of decent dancers but no-one outstanding, and I don't think they're being tested as much as previous celebs because they spend so much time messing around with props that I doubt most of them dance for more than a minute in each routine!

I think last year the standard was a lot better..........Sorry.......

I did like Abbey last year.

A few are really good but generally I think the quality of dancing is worse.

More people who can get a 9. But there are odd mistakes and differences emerge between them depending on the dance.

There's a male competiion now - though I doubt if any are as good as the top 3 females, and which survives may not match performance.

its not clear quite if we have a Zoe, Kara, Ali, Rachel or Abbey there yet . Pixi may get near with the right dances and music? .

Query whether a 9 is easier to get though...

The boys are slot stronger. I still think frankie is up there. Kevin needs to up the routine now

I actually think fewer celebrities this year may end up getting 9s than did last year. Seven celebrities (Abbey, Ashley, Ben, Natalie, Patrick, Sophie, Susanna) got 9s then. So far this year six have done the same (Caroline, Frankie, Jake, Mark, Pixie, Simon) and they form the bulk of what's left. I think Sunetra and Steve are capable of getting a 9, at a push, but I'm not sure they have enough time left and I'm not sure the judges are inclined to, much.

I'd say that, given Sunetra has the Waltz next week, as long as she doesn't let us down royally LIKE SHE DID WITH HER FOXTROT, there's a fair few 9s promised there. Steve, I'm not so sure of - it's not that there are no dances left that suit him, it's that I don't know what will suit him. I thought Charleston would be his shining beacon, and look where that left us, and I thought his Waltz would be dire, but I was resoundingly proved wrong there too.

Never mind - Sunetra already got a 9, in Movie Week. Not even a Donny-9 either. It's all on Steve for the honour of Series 12...

Kevin probably will next week.

I don't think it's so much that the standard is higher, more that most of them are about the same standard, so its too close to call

It is quite close this year.

I think overall the standard is very high this year.
I'd rate all of the contestants left, bar Steve and Sunetra, possible winners. Even Steve and Sunetra are really good though.

Looking at the top rated celebs this year, I think previous celebs were more talented. However, that could simply be that I remember the later dances when they'd all had more experience and training.

This ^

Standard higher this year?

No, there are just more ringers.

Just the exact opposite - very poor!

The choreo is sub standard, repetitive, inartistic, middle of the road, boring , c r a p!!

These Pros are running out of creativity, if they ever had any.

Not to forget this year's costumes...what the hell were those rags!

No, for me the standard is lower. I've been watching since Series 1, and watching the year by year variance. Although this year is not bad, it is fairly bland. There have been some standout years, and some duds.

Just the exact opposite - very poor!

The choreo is sub standard, repetitive, inartistic, middle of the road, boring , c r a p!!

These Pros are running out of ideas, if they ever had any.

Not to forget this year's costumes...what the hell are those rags!