For me, it is not so clear .... Some may say O'Donnell but he is a man who has carefully protected his image since the 80s, I doubt very much he is going to allow producers to make him a joke. Out of the line up, I'd have to choose Ainsley Harriet .... I think he is going to be a little like Mark Benton ... Kind of okay, but with fun routines.

Thankfully I don't think there is an out and out comedy act - unless Peter maybe, but I imagine he'll take it very seriously and work hard.

Ansley without doubt.

Only difference is, he will actually have some rhythm.

Out and out comedy duffers a la Widdy appear to be a thing of the past now - thank the Lord.

On another note, I could see Jeremy turning into a comedy duffy - albeit an accidental one who, despite his best efforts, just might not be able to cut it.

Glad they've binned the "comedy" contestant. Ainsley will be the nearest, but hopefully not ott

dont think there is one this year

thankfully!!

Carol Kirkwood, if paired with Anton, will ham it up as much as possible! She may actually take it more seriously with another partner, Unfortunately, Anton doesn't inspire his partners to work particularly hard, and it's always more about 'screen time' with him anyway so, if he has a partner he can drag into those stupid 'comedy' skits, that's what they'll do instead of hard training!

Ainsley looks like he may be able to dance, but I suspect he'll not show enough skill, especially if he gets a partner like Kristina, who is one of the worst pros for wasting dance time faffing around with comedy starts and endings to routines!

They seem to have avoided any out-and-out certain duffers this year, and the top of the celeb age range is actually fairly low in comparison to other years. Jeremy Vine looks like he has zero rhythm, and he's all tall and gangly, but the right female pro could whip him into shape - and he's not a stupid man. He's got to the top of his profession, is a highly respected journalist, so I doubt he's willing to chuck all of that away by agreeing to be the comedy turn for this year's show! Unintentionally horrific performances - that may still be the case, but he would be first out if he's truly awful!

I don't think Carol'll ham it up at all, Anton or not. She certainly shouldn't need to.

Ainsley seems the most obvious choice for a comedy routine or two but I guess we'll see who the producers choose to make it. The pros can only work with the music they're given and as such no doubt we'll have an abundance of foody music for Ainsley and weather stuff for Carol (imagine an Anton & Carol It's Raining Men routine. )

I never like the forced comedy stuff. Never been a huge fan of compulsory fun - I think the best stuff comes out when it's organic and you least expect it (yes, Michael Vaughan I am looking at you ). If we get routines that are 'straight' but descend into farce, that will be me sorted

I've seen Daniel trying to dance in some of his concerts on tv and quite frankly he's hilarious, he just can't dance, l think he's going to be a bit deluded ala Greg Kelly, can't wait to see him try the Latin dances.

Karen has done the comedy schtick before, (Dave Myers, and Phil Tufnell on the tour) but is she too small for Ainsley ??

Without Iveta, I am not sure of any other female Pro who can do "ironic" comedy

Totally agree, it's the ones who don't know how funny they are l enjoy best, not a fan of the staged stuff as it can be a bit cringe worthy.

Thankfully BBC have realised that recruited fun acts are now overdone. Somebody hopeless but importantly not really trying are so yesterday.

Ainsley used to be a comedian before he became famous as a TV chef, so, there's a good chance that he'll have a comedy aspect to his performances.

Ainsley does seem to be the obvious comedy choice but looks like he could have some "Carribbean rhythm" so maybe not. A watch this space kind of act with him.

Ainsley for me too, I think Jeremy may get some lines from his brother Tim to answer back on,, Carol will flirt , like she dies with Billy. on breakfast.

I will not be able to watch Daniel O' donnel without thinking of the Father Ted episode where thet obviously took the mick out of him with a character in one of the shows.

Another nom for Ainsley from me . He's the most likely candidate really .

Edit . Maybe Daniel might have to take on the role if his partner finds him a bit too naff to play it straight. Comedy is often used to detract from crap dancing .

Poor bloke - being written off before the series has even kicked off I hope he does really well.

Agree with others I think Ainsley will have some comedy dances but I also have a sneaky feeling he can actually dance, there's no stand out duffer this year .. well so far anyway.

Not really tho . Some of the best dancers used comedy routines and slam dunked it with great success .
I hope he does well too , I hope they all do .

Ainsley may be a "comedy" contestant in the same vein as Mark Benton - a lot of fun but some great, watchable dancing, too.

Ainsley's Dad was a very-respected bandleader (played at the Tower Ballroom no less...) so I would expect him to have some musical background - I think he could surprise a lot of people, especially with the right pro dancer who wants to teach him properly.

He was also super-competitive if you saw him in the early days of Ready Steady Cook (when Fern was presenting and he was one of the regular chefs) so I think he'll be taking it seriously.

There's no immediately obvious comedy contestant this year - and no obvious duffers and with the oldest being only 58 it could well be that there is no comedy contestant at all.

Ainsley has got rhythm - check him out in the CIN show where the TV chefs (including a young and sexy James Martin!) did the Full Monty routine. Ainsley definitely had the moves back then!

I don't disagree that he's lined up as this year's comedy act - but if he's kept himself in shape - I can see him being able to dance quite well!

Wasn't he also in a comedy singing duo?

Edit

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7_HUIwLNqkA

I guess the waistcoat explains his promo photo outfit