I am guessing that TPTB wanted to keep the same format of unequal numbers, which meant this year would only be 7 male celebs...

JC has been slotted in on the ITT team ............. I cant wait ( not ) and she will presumably also take part in the group dances and the Christmas special

Ainsley & Natalie - she basically *is* Erin now isn't she? At least she's eternally delusionally optimistic enough that she probably won't let it grind her down.

Anita & Gleb - given that he's obviously the new pimped-out Hunk du Jour this has me hoping she secretly might be a bit good

Anthony & Otlile - I was hoping for better for her to be honest, I don't particularly care for him, and as a boxer with a duff arm waiting to fall out its socket I can't imagine he's going to be great

Carol & Pasha - Pasha with a wacky older lady is what I've been hoping for for the past couple of series now so I'm ecstatic at this pairing

Daniel & Kristina - I think they could have been a bit less.........obvious with what they're trying to do here but ok. I hope she still goes all out with the choreography and scares the Bejesus off him

Georgia & Govanni - feels a really predictable pairing but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Clearly the designated "kids" this year like Trent/Pixie were

Helen & Aljaz - he's pretty much the only familiar pro I really rate who's got one of the ringahs, so I will look forward to them even more so than I would usually.

Iwan & Ola - yawn

Jamelia & Tristan - I predict a lot of "AREN'T THEY A LARF?!" VTs in the future but at least he's got a chance to show what he can do I guess

Jay & Aliona - Aliona + trained contemporary dancer = guaranteed madness. I think it's going to be an utter pile-up as far as my personal tastes go but it might be fun to watch. I still wish she'd get something other than a guaranteed finalist or a first boot though. It's feast or famine

Jeremy & Karen - I think the personality clash/contrast might be amusing for the two-four weeks they last

Katie & Anton - if Anton was going to get anyone in the cast I think this is the best choice. It doesn't have to be a Comedy Year every year.

Kellie & Kevin - *shrug*

Kirsty & Brenda - I've got a feeling they're going to make Gabby & James look like Bake-Off Ian in terms of competitive bite. I guess this is a chance to see if he really has mellowed because 5 or 6 years ago this partnership would have brought out the absolute worst in him

Peter & Janette - Their strengths are obviously pretty much the same thing, which could either work for them or make their routines really predictable.

(I heard via someone else who was at the show that Peter said that he'd been talking with Aljaz earlier about going for dinner with him and Janette and they had to refilm it because it blew the whole myth that the pairings are a surprise. Can anyone confirm?)

There's a couple of pairings that I might have liked to see differently but I'll reserve judgement until we actually see some training footage and see the partnerships in action.

Jay and Aliona is the only pairing that excites me at the moment, although I have a feeling Kirsty and Brendan might also turn out to be a good pairing.

Thanks for the spoilers, Fern

Pleased for Aliona she might actually get a good run this year - poor poor Tristan, I don't envy him.....


Awww that's very harsh, I love Anton, I think he dances beautifully- Hopefully he has a decent partner in Katie this year.


Part of me hopes Brendan wins this year even though I do love Anton - being an "older" pro , we may not have him ( or Anton) for much longer

Again Fern, thanks so much for the information! Top woman!!

It's certainly true that Peter's bit had to be re-done because he talked about Aljaz. I didn't take it that he knew who his partner was, and just thought that they were worried it gave the wrong impression. But now that you mention it.

Also, there was a point when the female celebs were getting their partners, that Gleb looked utterly bored and was staring at the ceiling. It was almost as if he knew his name wasn't going to be called and he didn't need to pay attention. I could be very wrong of course.

Do people really believe that those involved only find out their partners on the day the launch show is filmed? Leaving aside that one or two former contestants have blown that myth in the past, logistically it would be impossible to coordinate training schedules (often involving travel) with a mere two week lead in and the pros also have to input into appropriate costume choices based on music choices, which in turn often have a link with their celeb. That cannot, as a matter of common sense, start from a baseline of today.

I am loving the thought of what further bricks twonk Andre will drop.

On the red button/red carpet show Jay said he has 'wooden' hips - hope he was joking.

By the way for anyone who who didn't see it it's on BBCiplayer now.

Thanks so much for the spoilers and the report, fern3. It's made me even more excited to see the show.

I'm out of step with everyone in that I'm disappointed that Jay's got Aliona - I don't really like her choreography and I'd have liked him with Natalie/someone else. But God knows she does deserve a good un and I know I'm not being fair to feel that - it's nothing against her as a person.

Gleb and Anita and Anthony and Oti could both be wonderful, I'm really looking forward to seeing them, but if they're not instantly good they could really struggle as they are new dancers with (to me) less well known celebs, and might just get lost in the middle. But I think these may be the pairs I'm most interested in now I've seen the couples.

I'm happy about Katie and Anton - it will really test him to have someone he can't do joke routines for and I'd like to see him have a year off from all that and really dance.

I'm really glad Jamelia didn't get Brendan and isn't going to be (hopefully) pushed to be the one who has a row with the judges all the time.

Kirstie and Brendan and Ola and Iwan - could be great but I get a really strong deja vu feeling that I have seen everything they will do before. But still like them, and they look like they'll suit.

Jeremy and Karen - this is my other big disappointment, I think he's too awkward for her and she'll get desperate and it shows when she's feeling desperate. Hope I'm wrong as I'd like him not to be first out.

Carol and Pasha - aw.

Helen and Aljaz - can't imagine them together. Don't know why. Will be interesting to see them though.

Peter and Janette - looks the right partner for him to me. I can't see these two not being in the final.

Glad you had a lovely if very long long day. Thanks for the spoiler. Hopefully Tristan will be able to mellow Jamelia as at the moment she does not seem very popular and would like to see more of him this series than last. He seems quite easy going.

I would like to think that the Pro dancers and celebs did not no who they were going to get and it is a surprise to them as much as it is viewer.

Looking forward to a few pairings. Helen and Aljaz, Ainsley and Natalie would have prefered here with Ewan but i think personality wise they would be good together. Jamelia and Tristan hoefully she is a good dancer and listerner and will let Tristran teach her. Kirsty and Brendan think Kirsty has quite a strong personality but i think they will get on.

On the plus side Fern you got to go home with Robin a good way to round of your day.

That makes sense. They only have 3 weeks to the first show, so have to hit the ground running and with 15 pairs to look after and schedule over the next 3 weeks, for interviews and costumes, makeup etc - plus I think Louise Rainbow really hates to leave things to chance.

Maybe her pairing is what Aliona is reflecting on here?
http://cache2.asset-cache.net/gc/486...DG7UOtuQ%3d%3d

I like to think so too.

Do you remember a few years ago, when the pairings were being revealed, and some cock-up left Artem thinking he was paired with Edwina Curry. He was horrified, then greatly relieved to find that it wasn't the case. That surely wasn't acting?

Vincent being terrified he was going to be paired with Ann Widdecombe seemed pretty genuine, as did Lulu's reaction to being paired with Brendan, and Artem's distaste at the idea of being paired with... I can't remember which series I'm thinking of, it was either Lisa Riley or Edwina Currie. Perhaps the couples weren't paired off until the launch show in the past and that's since changed?

I don't suppose you need much latin hip action in contemporary dance, but I'm still hopeful about that partnership... *crosses fingers*

I do rememeber that his face was a picture, Edwina thought she had won the jackpot her face was just the opposite pure joy lol. I don't think he is that good of a actor.

Thank you Fern for the spoilers

Ainsley & Natalie - Was hoping she'd get someone else, but I read yesterday that he used to be in a band called 'The Calypso Twins', so at least he should have musicality and won't be shy on the performance side.

Anita & Gleb - Surprised by this one, seems an odd match personality-wise.

Anthony & Otille - Should be great if he's looking better than most of us expected.

Carol & Pasha - Really pleased with this one. Might see a bit more personality from Pasha.

Daniel & Kristina - Predicted this one, but does seem a bit embarrassing for Kristina like she can't be trusted with anyone else.

Georgia & Govanni - Feels very predictable, not really excited by this one.

Helen & Aljaz - Wouldn't have put them together at all but should be good.

Iwan & Ola - Boring - looks like another Robbie Savage type pairing unless he secretly has moves.

Jamelia & Tristan - The idea of this is growing on me, he'll hopefully bring out the best in her personality.

Jay & Aliona - They did look good together in the papped rehearsal pics, but I fear that with a trained contemporary dancer its going to be 'Ooooo, New York' x 100.

Jeremy & Karen - Quite happy for them to go out first week.

Katie & Anton - Happy Anton didn't get Carol. I think they'll have a great time together and could do some decent ballroom and a good Charleston if they get the chance.

Kellie & Kevin - No feelings on them either way.

Kirsty & Brenda - Just feels like another Gabby/James. Unless she has changed since she was in The Games, she will probably bring out the worst in Brendan.

Peter & Janette - Will probably do some memorable latins and if Janette gets some help with the ballroom should get to the final.


I've always thought it was unlikely, but then I remember reactions like Lulu's and wonder if they're really that good at acting? Also, wouldn't Aliona try and practice her reaction a little bit before filming so she didn't look quite so horrified? Then I balance that against some of the pros ridiculously overacted 'surprised' faces and I just don't know

It is possible to deal with the celeb and pro separately and have separate talks/negotiations through a third party. The main issue would be schedules of the celebs and training times.
They only have about a week between the meet and greet and the Launch?, so there isn't a lot of time to be gained, but 4 weeks versus 3 could matter a lot to the producer.

Being asked if you mind going to Donegal might be a giveaway.

From what I read, Brendan didn't seem too keen on fitting in all possible training with Sunetra last year, whereas Ola the year before spent many days hanging around in Liverpool waiting for Ash to be released from Hollyoaks - so there does seem to be potentially a lot of scheduling - or not - if the celeb has a busy schedule.

Yes, having seen him in the 'comedy' VTs and the CBeebies Xmas panto, he really isn't that good of an actor I think there was a trick that year that only a couple of people were in on, so I suppose if Artem had been told he had Holly and then they made him think it had been changed to Edwina, that would back up the theory of them knowing in advance.

Yay, Aliona didn't get somebody who a duffer

I think I mentioned this in the speculation for Kristina thread! Poor girl.

Just checked - I did say that in the second post on the thread! Must be psychic!

Thank you Fern!

Georgia May Foote & Giovanni Pernice - Expected and like the look of it. ButI have no knowledge of him as a dancer or choreographer.

Kirsty Gallacher & Brendan Cole - Disappointed for her. He did not deserve another contender/dark horse on paper at least after last year and the year with Sophie.

Helen George & Aljaz Skorjenc - Brilliant! As long as Alijaz got a contender/dark horse on paper I am happy. I would have loved probably more Kirsty + Alijaz or Tristan, but this is great.

Jamelia & Tristan MacManus - Not too disappointed. He gets a contender, albeit an unpopular one and hopefully will stay in a few more weeks.


Ainsley Harriot & Natalie Lowe - expected and like the look. Unlike everyone else here, I think she is best with middle of the road ones than contenders. And probably they will get in some memorable routines.

Iwan Thomas & Ola Jordan - dont mind.

Jay McGuiness & Aliona Vilani - super excited. I really wanted Aliona to get someone young so that there can be some creative and different routines. Since Artem is gone and she had been handed duffers, I have been missing them.

Jeremy Vine & Karen Hauer - not mind.

Anthony Ogogo & Otlile Mabuse - like the idea, though surprise about it. Funny that some comments made that she overly relays in lifts so it will be interesting to see her choreographing with someone with a bad shoulder.

Katie Derham & Anton Du Beke - not mind.

Carol Kirkwood & Pasha Kovalev - Finally! Pasha gets an oldie. Though she has good attitude so far, so he wont have too bad a time.

Daniel O'Donnell & Kristina Rihanoff - hilarious. Happy with this couple. Not a fan, but i think its the best possible pairing for either of them.

Peter Andre & Janette Manrara - great pairing height wise and style wise.

Anita Rani & Gleb Savchenko - I am not sure how good/bad she is. I was hopping for him to get a clear contender/darkhorse on paper so that he can cement his place in the competition. Who knows!

Kellie Bright & Kevin Clifton - good pairing. Though I dont like him that much and I quite like her.

Ann Widdecombe is one of those who has been (and was from the beginning) quite open that it was a condition of her taking part in the show that she was partnered with Anton, so I'm afraid Vincent's (very hammy) acting was just that, acting. Penny Lancaster was also fairly open that she knew she was paired with Ian Waite for over a year before (her participation in the show was deferred for a year because of her pregnancy) so in the past, if anything, it was more acknowledged than now.

I wouldn't be surprised is Kristina specifically requested Daniel tbh. We all know what would have happened had she got someone like Anthony.

No, I am totally with you on that one - I would have preferred him with Natalie ( tho I realise there are a few tall celebs so height considerations perhaps decided her pairing ) or with Janette
I am not an Aliona fan, dont like her choreography and, quite often, dont like her attitude.... but am no doubt in the minority there

I agree about Ann, but when Penny was on they didn't pair them on a launch show so I don't think there was any pretence back then that the partnerships were a surprise.

The second best bit of the night was the "lets meet the stars of our show" bit.

The Lottery Guy announced them (presumably a pre-recorded thing) and they started coming down the stairs. But they came down in completely the wrong order. Some just carried on but Jeremy Vine stood at the top of the stairs with a look on his face to say "but I'm not Ainsley, no, and I'm also not Peter. Should I just stand here?"

This obviously had to be re-done, and poor Kellie, who was so pleased with herself for getting down the stairs elegantly, alone, and in high heels and a big frock, had to do it all over again.

No doubt this morning there has been a WTF Happened? enquiry at the BBC, to make sure it doesn't happen live.